SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX secures $57 million military contract for Link-182 satellite crosslink demo supporting Golden Dome missile defense. Also joins software working group.
COSMOS 2042 (20236)
COSPAR: 1989-074E | Alt Name: Kosmos-2042
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 14, 1989
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC32/1
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20236
International Designator
1989-074E
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:11:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.58°
Right Ascension
207.56°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
94.74°
Period
113.90 min
Mean Motion
12.64 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2042
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2042
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
UNKS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20236U 89074E 26185.04983622 .00000014 00000-0 15361-4 0 9992
2 20236 82.5804 207.5567 0006441 94.7389 293.5061 12.64231798813808
Source: Celestrak
Summary
COSMOS 2042, also known as Kosmos-2042, is a military communication satellite operated by an unknown entity (UNKS) and manufactured by NPOPM in the Soviet Union (SU). Launched on September 14, 1989, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch Pad LC32/1 using the Tsiklon-3 launch vehicle, it measures 1.6 meters in length with a diameter of 0.8 meters and spans 7 meters when deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 225 kilograms, which is identical to its launch mass. It uses solar cells and batteries for power supply and features a cylindrical shape complemented by antennas (Cyl + Ant). Its reflective surface area (RCS) is measured at 1.0075 square meters. The payload consists of the Strela-3 communication system designed for military purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.6
Diameter
0.8
Span
7
Dry Mass
225
Launch Mass
225
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
1.0075
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Strela-3
Purpose
Military Communication
Mission
Military Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Strela-3
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites
Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent
Space Brief 4 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's Starship launch approval, Antares' nuclear funding, and shifts in global space defense strategies.
X Report 26 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Ax-4 private astronaut mission to the ISS while continuing its satellite deployment with 27 new Starlink satellites, amidst ongoing recovery efforts from the loss of Ship 36.
Space Brief 12 Feb 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink missions, Satellogic's contract with Brazilian Air Force, OCX, and ATLAS project updates, and DARPA's insights on cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The Day Soviet Women Reached for the Stars
Sixty-three years ago, the Soviet Union selected the world's first female cosmonaut training group, launching a new era in human spaceflight that would transform our understanding of gender equality in space exploration
Rheinmetall Weighs Bid for Mynaric Amid Rocket Lab Acquisition | KeepTrack Space Brief
German defense giant Rheinmetall may bid for laser-comm firm Mynaric, challenging Rocket Lab's plans. SpaceX sets Falcon 9 reuse record. Juno reveals Europa ice sheet data.
Falcon 9 Lofts 46 Payloads Including CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's third rideshare mission of 2026 delivered South Korea's CAS500-2 imager and 45 secondary payloads to Sun-synchronous orbit on Falcon 9.