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// optical imaging · 1969

Cosmos 281

Cosmos 281 was launched on May 13, 1969 aboard a Voskhod 11A57 from Plesetsk. Latest status in GCAT: landed (May 21, 1969).

COSPAR 1969-042ANORAD 3939Soviet Union

Identity

Name in GCAT
Kosmos-281
Common name
Cosmos 281
Payload designation
Zenit-2 No. 72L
Other names
:C,:RC,11F61 No. V15002-04:RA
International designator
1969-042A
NORAD catalog number
3939
GCAT identifier
S03939
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.208

Mission

Mission type
Optical imaging
Use
Defense
Program
Zenit-2 B
Owner
TsUKOS
Country
Soviet Union
Builder
TsKBEM Filial No. 3
Platform (bus)
Zenit-2

Launch

Date
May 13, 1969 · 09:15 UTC
Launch record
1969-042Success
Spaceport
Plesetsk · pad LC41/1

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LLEO/I
Perigee
188 km
Apogee
301 km
Inclination
65.42°
Status
Landed
Status date
May 21, 1969
Last known active
May 21, 1969
End of operations
May 21, 1969

Size

Mass
2,100 kg
Dry mass
2,100 kg
Total mass with attached objects
4,750 kg
Length
6.5 m
Diameter
2.40 m
Span
6.5 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q12753788 (CC0).