# Cosmos 1290 **Wikidata**: [Q12753203](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753203) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1290 ## Summary Cosmos 1290 is a Soviet military communications satellite of the Strela-1M class, launched on August 6, 1981, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was carried into orbit by a Kosmos-3M rocket and is cataloged with the international designation 1981-074D. This satellite serves as a specific instance within the broader Kosmos program, representing a key component of the Soviet Union's space-based communication infrastructure during the early 1980s. ## Key Facts * **Launch Date:** The satellite was successfully launched on August 6, 1981. * **Launch Time:** The specific moment of the rocket launch event occurred at 11:49:00 UTC. * **Launch Vehicle:** It was deployed using a Kosmos-3M rocket. * **Launch Site:** The mission originated from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 in the Soviet Union. * **Satellite Class:** Cosmos 1290 belongs to the Strela-1M satellite class. * **International Designation:** Its COSPAR ID is 1981-074D. * **Internal Catalog Number:** The satellite is assigned the value 12639 in specific catalogs. * **Country of Origin:** The entity was operated by the Soviet Union (with modern associations to Russia). * **Event Type:** The primary significant event recorded is a rocket launch. * **Language Coverage:** Information regarding this entity is available in Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr). * **Wolfram Entity Code:** It is identified in the Wolfram Language as `Entity["Satellite", "12639"]`. ## FAQs **What type of satellite was Cosmos 1290 and who operated it?** Cosmos 1290 was a Strela-1M class communications satellite operated by the Soviet Union. It functioned as part of a constellation designed to provide military communication capabilities. **When and where did the launch of Cosmos 1290 take place?** The satellite was launched on August 6, 1981, at precisely 11:49:00. The mission originated from Site 132 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a major Soviet spaceport. **What rocket was used to deploy this satellite?** A Kosmos-3M launch vehicle was responsible for carrying Cosmos 1290 into orbit. This rocket class was frequently utilized for deploying various Soviet satellite payloads during this era. **How is Cosmos 1290 identified in international and scientific databases?** Internationally, it is designated as 1981-074D by COSPAR. In specific technical catalogs, it holds the value 12639, and it is recognized in the Wolfram Language with the entity code `Entity["Satellite", "12639"]`. ## Why It Matters Cosmos 1290 represents a critical node in the historical development of the Soviet Union's space-based communication network. As a member of the Strela-1M class, it contributed to the dense constellation of satellites that ensured reliable, low-orbit communication links for military and strategic purposes. Its successful deployment via the Kosmos-3M rocket from Plesetsk underscores the operational maturity of the Soviet space program in the early 1980s. Understanding this specific satellite helps researchers trace the evolution of satellite constellations and the logistical patterns of Soviet space launches during the Cold War. ## Notable For * **Specific Launch Precision:** The launch event is recorded with high temporal precision down to the second (11:49:00). * **Distinct Launch Site:** It utilized the specific infrastructure of Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, distinguishing it from launches at other pads. * **Catalog Consistency:** It maintains a consistent internal identifier (12639) across different data sources, including the Wolfram Language. * **Class Representation:** It serves as a verified instance of the Strela-1M satellite architecture. * **Multilingual Documentation:** The entity is documented in three distinct Slavic languages (Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian), indicating its regional historical relevance. ## Body ### Mission Overview and Launch Details Cosmos 1290 was a space mission executed on August 6, 1981. The primary event was a rocket launch that successfully placed the satellite into orbit. This operation took place at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, specifically utilizing Site 132. The launch vehicle employed for this mission was the Kosmos-3M, a reliable workhorse of the Soviet space program. The launch occurred at 11:49:00, marking a precise moment in the timeline of Soviet space activities. The mission is classified under the significant event type of "rocket launch," with all temporal and spatial qualifiers tied to this specific date and location. ### Satellite Classification and Identity The entity is definitively classified as a member of the Strela-1M satellite class. This classification places it within a specific lineage of Soviet communications satellites designed for store-and-forward messaging. In terms of identification, the satellite holds the COSPAR ID 1981-074D, which is the standard international designation for objects launched in 1981. Additionally, it is assigned the specific catalog value 12639. In computational environments, such as the Wolfram Language, it is referenced via the entity code `Entity["Satellite", "12639"]`. The satellite is also known by the alias "Kosmos 1290," reflecting the naming convention used for many Soviet space objects. ### Operational Context and Geography The launch and operation of Cosmos 1290 were conducted under the jurisdiction of the Soviet Union. While the entity is historically linked to the Soviet era, it is also associated with Russia in modern contexts, as indicated by the sitelink count and country references. The physical location of the launch was the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a site chosen for its strategic latitude and security. The specific pad used, Site 132, was a dedicated facility for Kosmos-3M launches. This geographic and political context is essential for understanding the strategic deployment of the Strela-1M constellation. ### Data Availability and Documentation Information regarding Cosmos 1290 is preserved across multiple linguistic and technical domains. The entity has a sitelink count of 3, indicating a moderate level of documentation in major knowledge bases. Specifically, articles or data entries exist in Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr). These language versions provide distinct perspectives on the satellite's history and technical specifications. The data sources for these facts include references to and , which serve as the primary citations for the launch details and classification data. The structured properties confirm that every aspect of the satellite, from its launch time to its internal catalog number, is traceable to these authoritative sources. ## References 1. Jonathan's Space Report