Space Brief 4 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include the release of a mystery object by Russian military satellites, SpaceX Fram2 mission insights, Amazon's upcoming satellite launch, and more.
RESURS F-12 (21611)
COSPAR: 1991-052A | Alt Name: Resurs-F
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 23, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21611
International Designator
1991-052A
Decay Date
8/8/1991
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RESURS F-12
Alternative Name
Resurs-F
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PRIR
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
RESURS F-12, also known as Resurs-F, is an Earth Observation satellite launched by PRIR (Priroda) on July 23, 1991, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch Site LC43/3 using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The satellite has a BUS configuration of Vostok / Zenit Capsule with dimensions: length 6.5 meters, diameter 2.4 meters, and span 6.5 meters. It was manufactured by TSSKB and equipped with the Priroda-4 imaging system (consisting of 2 KFA-1000 and 3 KATE-200 cameras) for film return missions. The satellite has a dry mass of 2,555 kg, which is also its launch mass. It operates using batteries and features a motorized maneuver module with engines 11D82M and S5.120. Its shape is described as Sphere + DCone, and it was designed for Earth Observation purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.5
Diameter
2.4
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
2555
Launch Mass
2555
Shape
Sphere + DCone
Radar Cross Section
6.45
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Resurs-F1-14F43 No. 13L
Purpose
Earth Observation (film return)
Mission
Earth Observation (film return)
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Resurs-F1
Configuration
Vostok / Zenit Capsule
Motor
11D82M; S5.120 (maneuver module)
Equipment
Priroda-4 imaging system (2 x KFA-1000, 3 x KATE-200)
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 26 Jan 2025
Spacewalks have resumed on the ISS, while Blue Origin prepares for a unique New Shepard mission. In other news, astronomers push for a ban on space ads and potential budget cuts threaten the JWST.
China Files Plans for 200,000-Satellite Megaconstellation With ITU | KeepTrack Space Brief
China files ITU paperwork for megaconstellations totaling nearly 200,000 satellites. SpaceX launches first rideshare mission of 2026 from Vandenberg. NASA plans ISS crew medical evacuation.
Starship Flight 13 Static Fire, Florida Push, X Report 4 Jul 2026
Starship update July 2026: Flight 13 completed a full six-Raptor static fire as SpaceX targets its first Cape Canaveral Starship launch by year's end.
Artemis 2 Crewed Lunar Flyby Scheduled for April 1 | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis II launches 4 astronauts on lunar flyby April 1. Soyuz-5 inaugural flight confirmed for April 3. Space warfare doctrines shift toward agentic AI for faster decision loops.
X Report 8 Nov 2024
SpaceX makes strides with Starship testing while Starlink faces mounting competition as Viasat eyes Telesat's LEO capacity.
SpaceX S-1 Sinks Tesla 5%, Merger Talk Grows, X Report 2 Jun 2026
SpaceX IPO paperwork stokes Tesla merger predictions: the amended S-1 sank Tesla stock 5% in a day. Starlink stands at 10,492 working satellites.
Starship V3 Flight 12 Succeeds Despite Engine Shutdown | KeepTrack X Report
Starship V3 completed Flight 12 on May 22 despite one vacuum Raptor shutting down early, with SpaceX's IPO filing revealing bold Starlink Mobile ambitions.