Kosmos 1581

Kosmos 1581 (Russian: Космос 1581 meaning "Cosmos 1581") was a Soviet navigation satellite launched in 1984 as part of the GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) constellation. GLONASS is a Russian space-based satellite navigation system, analogous to the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS).

Kosmos 1581 was launched on July 12, 1984, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200/39 in the Soviet Union (now Kazakhstan) using a Proton-K/DM-2 launch vehicle. It was placed into a medium Earth orbit (MEO). Its primary purpose was to provide precise positioning and timing information for military and civilian users. The satellite transmitted signals that allowed receivers to determine their location, velocity, and time.

The GLONASS system, including satellites like Kosmos 1581, was developed to provide an independent navigation capability for the Soviet Union and later Russia. The system contributes to various applications, including maritime navigation, aviation, land surveying, and scientific research. These early GLONASS satellites have since been decommissioned and replaced by newer generations of GLONASS satellites with improved capabilities.

While Kosmos 1581 is no longer operational, it represents an important milestone in the development of satellite navigation technology and the establishment of the GLONASS system. It served as a crucial component of the Soviet Union's efforts to create a global positioning network.