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 1303
// optical imaging · 1981

Cosmos 1303

Cosmos 1303 was launched on September 4, 1981 aboard a Soyuz-U from Baikonur. Latest status in GCAT: landed (Sep 18, 1981).

COSPAR 1981-086ANORAD 12801Soviet Union

Identity

Name in GCAT
Kosmos-1303
Common name
Cosmos 1303
Payload designation
Argon No. 52L
Other names
:C,:RD,Zenit-6 No. 52L:RC,11F645 No. 78039-422:RB
International designator
1981-086A
NORAD catalog number
12801
GCAT identifier
S12801
UN registration
ST/SG/SER.E/062

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
September 4, 1981 · 08:00 UTC
Launch record
1981-086Success
Rocket
Soyuz-U
Spaceport
Baikonur · pad LC31

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LLEO/I
Perigee
359 km
Apogee
415 km
Inclination
70.41°
Status
Landed
Status date
September 18, 1981
Last known active
Sep 18, 1981
End of operations
Sep 18, 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 Q13566537 (CC0).