Space Brief 13 Mar 2025
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.
COSMOS 2055 (20426)
COSPAR: 1990-003A | Alt Name: Kosmos-2055
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 17, 1990
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20426
International Designator
1990-003A
Decay Date
1/29/1990
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2055
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2055
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
UNKS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 2055, also known as Kosmos-2055, is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union on January 17, 1990, using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle from LC43/3 at PLMSC. The spacecraft uses the Zenit bus and has dimensions of 6 meters in length with a diameter of 2.2 meters and a span of 6 meters. It has a dry mass of 2655 kg and was launched with the same mass. Its mission involves reconnaissance, specifically photo (film return type), utilizing Oblik No. 810 payload. The satellite is powered by batteries and equipped with an 11D82M motor along with an S5.120 maneuver module for propulsion. It has a shape described as Sphere + DCone with a RCS of 7.5. The spacecraft was manufactured by TSSKB and its ownership is marked as UNKS, indicating uncertainty in the specific owner details.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
2.2
Span
6
Dry Mass
2655
Launch Mass
2655
Shape
Sphere + DCone
Radar Cross Section
7.5
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Oblik No. 810
Purpose
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Mission
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Oblik
Configuration
Zenit bus
Motor
11D82M; S5.120 (maneuver module)
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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