AMSAT - Satellite Detail - Radio Sputnik 12

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fahnen/12.jpg Satellite Detail - Radio Sputnik 12

Launch Pad

Navigator

Radio Sputnik 12

Spacecraft Summary

Oscar Number:	RS-12	International Designator:	1991-007A
Norad Number:	21089	Common Name:	Radio Sputnik 12
Alternate Name:	Cosmos 2123	Satellite Type:	Payload
Launch Date:	5 February, 1991	Launch Location:	Plesetsk MSC
Launch Vehicle:	Cosmos C	Apogee:	1006.00
Perigee:	961.00	Inclination:	82.92
Period:	104.77	Weight:	0.000 Kg
Organization:	Radio Sport Federation

Frequency Information


Mode V/A (A) Linear Transponder (Inverting): Non-Operational
Uplink:	145.9100 - 145.9500 MHz SSB/CW
Downlink	29.4100 - 29.4500 MHz SSB/CW

Mode V Beacon: Non-Operational
Downlink	145.9120 MHz CW
Downlink	145.9580 MHz CW

Mode V Robot: Non-Operational
Simplex:	145.8430 MHz CW

Mode H/V (T) Linear Transponder (Inverting): Non-Operational
Uplink:	21.2100 - 21.2500 MHz SSB/CW
Downlink	145.9100 - 145.9500 MHz SSB/CW

Mode H/A (K) Linear Transponder (Inverting): Non-Operational
Uplink:	21.2100 - 21.2500 MHz SSB/CW
Downlink	29.4100 - 29.4500 MHz SSB/CW

Mode H Robot: Non-Operational
Simplex:	21.1380 MHz CW

Mode A Beacon: Non-Operational
Downlink	29.4080 MHz CW
Downlink	29.4540 MHz CW

Current Keplerian Elements

RS-12
1 21089U 91007A   10247.53110590  .00000024  00000-0  89629-5 0  5648
2 21089  82.9228 296.8723 0029205 168.5001 191.6829 13.74495936982230

Detailed Description

RS 12/13 was launched February 5, 1991 on board a Russian Cosmos C launcher. RS-12/13 rode piggyback on a primary spacecraft on a COSMOS 2123 Russian Navigation Satellite. Each satellite had two radio amateur transponders onboard. Only one was switched on at a time.

Both satellites had a 40 kHz wide linear transponder allowing for CW and SSB contacts. One unique feature of both these satellites was the ROBOT autotransponder. The autotransponders made it possible to carry on a CW telegraphy contact with the ROBOT computer carried on the spacecraft. Upon calling the satellite on the ROBOT uplink frequency, the computer would return with a short message and issue a QSO number.

It is thought that after superpower proton flashes from the Sun about July/August 2002 caused damaged to the COSMOS2123 and RS-12/13 transponders (thanks Jerry, K5OE/3).

In addition to the operating modes listed, RS-12 supported two additional modes

Mode KT: 21 MHz uplink into 29 and 145 MHz downlinks
Mode KA: 21 MHz and 145 MHz uplinks into a common 29 MHz downlink