# Cosmos 1287
**Wikidata**: [Q13566529](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566529)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1287

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Cosmos 1287** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Cosmos 1287 is a Soviet military communications satellite launched in 1981 as part of the Strela-1M class. It was deployed using a Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome to support secure military communications for the Soviet Union.

## Key Facts  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1981-074A  
- **Launch Date**: August 6, 1981  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 12636  
- **Class**: Strela-1M (military communications satellite)  
- **Operator**: Soviet Union (later Russia)  
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 1287  
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 11:49:00 UTC on August 6, 1981  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1287?  
A: Cosmos 1287 was a military communications satellite designed to provide secure communications for the Soviet armed forces as part of the Strela-1M network.  

### Q: Where was Cosmos 1287 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, a major Soviet/Russian spaceport.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1287?  
A: The Kosmos-3M, a reliable Soviet launch vehicle, was used to deploy Cosmos 1287 into orbit.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 1287 played a critical role in the Soviet Union's military communications infrastructure during the Cold War. As part of the Strela-1M constellation, it ensured secure and reliable data transmission for military operations, contributing to the USSR's strategic defense capabilities. Its launch also demonstrated the continued reliability of the Kosmos-3M rocket, which was widely used for deploying low-Earth orbit satellites. The mission highlights the technological and geopolitical competition of the era, as space-based communications became essential for national security.  

## Notable For  
- **Military Role**: Part of the Strela-1M network, a key component of Soviet military communications.  
- **Launch Precision**: Deployed at a specific time (11:49:00 UTC) on August 6, 1981.  
- **Historical Context**: Launched during the Cold War, reflecting the USSR's focus on space-based military assets.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: August 6, 1981  
- **Time**: 11:49:00 UTC  
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 (a primary launch facility for Soviet military satellites).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class**: Strela-1M (a series of low-orbit military communications satellites).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M, a two-stage rocket developed by the Soviet Union.  

### Operational Context  
- **Mission**: Secure military communications for Soviet forces.  
- **Legacy**: Contributed to the Strela-1M constellation, which remained operational for decades.  

### References  
- Satellite cataloged under SCN 12636.  
- COSPAR designation: 1981-074A.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report