# Cosmos 1280
**Wikidata**: [Q13566527](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566527)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1280

## Summary
Cosmos 1280 is a Soviet satellite launched on July 2, 1981, as part of the Resurs-F1 program. It was deployed from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U rocket, marking a significant mission in the Soviet space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 2, 1981
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Mission Type**: Resurs-F1 17F41 satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1981-063A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 12577
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 07:10:00 UTC on July 2, 1981

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1280?
A: Cosmos 1280 was a Soviet satellite launched as part of the Resurs-F1 program, which was designed for Earth observation and resource monitoring.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 1280?
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43.

### Q: When was Cosmos 1280 launched?
A: Cosmos 1280 was launched on July 2, 1981, at 07:10:00 UTC.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 1280?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1280 is 1981-063A.

### Q: What is the SCN (NORAD ID) of Cosmos 1280?
A: The SCN (NORAD ID) for Cosmos 1280 is 12577.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1280 represents a key mission in the Soviet space program, particularly within the Resurs-F1 series, which was crucial for Earth observation and resource monitoring. Launched on July 2, 1981, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U rocket, this satellite contributed to the Soviet Union's efforts in space-based surveillance and environmental monitoring. Its successful deployment highlights the advancements in Soviet space technology during the Cold War era, demonstrating the country's capabilities in satellite launches and Earth observation. The mission underscores the strategic importance of space-based infrastructure in military and scientific applications, reflecting the broader context of the Soviet space program's contributions to global space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First Launch of Resurs-F1 Series**: Cosmos 1280 was the inaugural mission of the Resurs-F1 satellite class, marking a significant milestone in Soviet Earth observation technology.
- **Soyuz-U Rocket Utilization**: The mission leveraged the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable and versatile launch vehicle in the Soviet space program.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Deployment**: The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43, a key site for Soviet space missions.
- **COSPAR and NORAD Identification**: Cosmos 1280 is recognized by the COSPAR ID 1981-063A and the NORAD ID 12577, reflecting its official classification in space tracking systems.
- **Soviet Space Program Contribution**: The mission contributed to the Soviet Union's broader space program, showcasing its capabilities in satellite deployment and Earth observation.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 1280 was launched on July 2, 1981, at 07:10:00 UTC from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43. The satellite was part of the Resurs-F1 program, which was designed for Earth observation and resource monitoring. The mission utilized the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable launch vehicle in the Soviet space program.

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Class**: Resurs-F1 17F41
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **COSPAR ID**: 1981-063A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 12577

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 1280 was a significant event in the Soviet space program, particularly within the Resurs-F1 series. The mission highlighted the country's advancements in satellite technology and Earth observation, contributing to its broader space infrastructure during the Cold War era.

### Significance
Cosmos 1280 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's space-based surveillance and environmental monitoring efforts. Its successful deployment underscored the capabilities of the Soyuz-U rocket and the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, reinforcing the Soviet space program's contributions to global space exploration. The mission remains notable for its role in advancing Soviet space technology and its strategic importance in military and scientific applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report