2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. Cosmos 1277
// optical imaging · 1981

Cosmos 1277

Cosmos 1277 was launched on June 17, 1981 aboard a Soyuz-U from Baikonur. Latest status in GCAT: landed (Jul 1, 1981).

COSPAR 1981-056ANORAD 12520Soviet Union

Identity

Name in GCAT
Kosmos-1277
Common name
Cosmos 1277
Payload designation
Argon No. 34L
Other names
:C,:RD,Zenit-6 No. 34L:RC,11F645 No. 770-23-474:RB
International designator
1981-056A
NORAD catalog number
12520
GCAT identifier
S12520
UN registration
ST/SG/SER.E/057

Mission

Mission type
Optical imaging
Use
Defense
Program
Zenit-6
Owner
GUKOS
Country
Soviet Union
Builder
Central Specialized Design Bureau
Platform (bus)
Zenit-6

Launch

Date
June 17, 1981 · 09:30 UTC
Launch record
1981-056Success
Rocket
Soyuz-U
Spaceport
Baikonur · pad LC31

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LLEO/I
Perigee
359 km
Apogee
416 km
Inclination
70.40°
Status
Landed
Status date
July 1, 1981
Last known active
Jul 1, 1981
End of operations
Jul 1, 1981

Size

Mass
2,655 kg
Dry mass
2,655 kg
Total mass with attached objects
6,300 kg
Length
6.0 m
Diameter
2.20 m
Span
6.0 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q12907346 (CC0).