COSMOS 2480

COSMOS 2480 is no longer on orbit
COSMOS 2480 is classified as:

NORAD ID: 38335

Int'l Code: 2012-024A

Launch date: May 17, 2012
Source: Commonwealth of Independent States (former USSR) (CIS)
Launch site: PLESETSK MISSILE AND SPACE COMPLEX (PKMTR)
Decay date: 2012-09-24

COSMOS 2480 is likely a Kobalt M reconnaissance satellite carrying an optical camera to snap photos of military installations, troop movements and other sites of interest around the world. Kobalt satellites orbit between 150 miles (241 km) and 300 miles (483 km) above Earth. High-resolution cameras on Kobalt satellites capture images of locations around the world. Kobalt spacecraft reportedly carry canisters to return film to Earth during the satellite's mission, which will last at least several months.

1 38335U 12024A   12268.65460590  .00354736 -10252-5  20796-3 0  9996
2 38335 081.3413 299.4239 0054391 101.5696 032.5272 16.15028147 21034

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC