The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey
Fifty-nine years ago, a revolutionary new rocket thundered skyward from Cape Kennedy, testing the spacecraft that would eventually carry astronauts to the lunar surface
COSMOS 252 DEB (03900)
COSPAR: 1968-097BM | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-252
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 1, 1968
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC90/20
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-2A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
03900
International Designator
1968-097BM
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:34:02 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
62.20°
Right Ascension
235.93°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
267.78°
Period
96.85 min
Mean Motion
14.87 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 252 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Kosmos-252
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
PKO
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 03900U 68097BM 26201.19030941 .00004123 00000+0 36568-3 0 9990
2 03900 62.1959 235.9346 0175404 267.7843 90.3150 14.86801575894448
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0122
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 2 Apr 2025
DARPA's accidental SpaceX detection highlights Earth as a natural sensor, while SpaceX's Fram2 launches into a polar orbit. Helsinki's defense budget rise hints at increased military satellite activity.
X Report 28 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, continuing to expand its broadband satellite network.
STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report
A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.
X Report 19 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites in a night mission, marking a significant return to evening launches post-regulations.
X Report 30 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches SpainSat NG-1 satellite as Starlink compatibility causes market ripples.
Falcon 9 Launches 25 Starlink Satellites After Weather Delays | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg after multiple weather delays. 20th Falcon 9 mission of 2026 features second-ever booster landing near The Bahamas.
Space Brief 29 Apr 2025
Today's space brief covers significant advancements in military counter-drone capabilities, workforce challenges in the Navy related to DOGE budget cuts, and highlights Germany's rise in defense spending. We also shine a spotlight on the communications satellite INTELSAT 901.