COSMOS 1261 DEB (27902)

COSPAR: 1981-031K | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-1261
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 1261 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 31, 1981

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC41/1

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

27902

International Designator

1981-031K

Decay Date

6/26/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1261 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Kosmos-1261

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

PVO

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.4201

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Unknown

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

Unknown

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Unknown

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 19 Jun 2025

Space Brief 19 Jun 2025

Discover key developments in space defense and military operations, including new leadership for Space Force's 'Golden Dome,' SpaceX's contract for a military SATCOM network, and increased Israeli-Iranian missile activity.

Congress Passes FY2026 Bill Reinstating NASA Funding, Slingshot Wins $27M AI Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

Congress Passes FY2026 Bill Reinstating NASA Funding, Slingshot Wins $27M AI Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

Congress passes FY2026 spending bill reinstating NASA funding. Slingshot Aerospace wins $27M Space Force contract for AI satellite training. Portal Space selects Atomic-6 debris shield for 2026 mission.

Space Brief 28 Nov 2025

Space Brief 28 Nov 2025

Discover the latest on China's Zhuque-3 launch, ISS crew updates, ESA's budget dealings, a strategic super-resolution partnership, and ACME Space's innovative plans.

Hayabusa | The Crippled Falcon That Carried an Asteroid Home

Hayabusa | The Crippled Falcon That Carried an Asteroid Home

Sixteen years ago today, a fireball tore across the Australian outback. Most of it was a dying Japanese spacecraft burning up after a seven-year ordeal. The bright dot racing ahead of the wreckage was a capsule holding the first grains of an asteroid ever returned to Earth.

X Report 4 Sep 2025

X Report 4 Sep 2025

SpaceX conducted multiple successful launches this week, adding to its Starlink constellation and marking significant milestones in its ongoing missions.

X Report 8 Feb 2025

X Report 8 Feb 2025

SpaceX makes strides on Starship launch pad, upcoming Starlink infusions from California and Florida, and regulatory challenges loom with FCC and C-band spectrum.

Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026

Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026

How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.

X Report 31 Aug 2025

X Report 31 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its ninth Starlink mission of the month, boosting broadband coverage with additional satellites deployed from both coasts. The latest missions underscore the company's commitment to expanding global internet access.