The Day Discovery Took Her Final Flight
Fourteen years ago, Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into orbit one last time, carrying a robot astronaut and capping a remarkable 27-year career that revolutionized space exploration
COSMOS 252 DEB (03938)
COSPAR: 1968-097BS | 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
03938
International Designator
1968-097BS
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:43:21 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
63.03°
Right Ascension
76.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
321.04°
Period
114.61 min
Mean Motion
12.56 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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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 03938U 68097BS 26200.65510779 -.00000035 00000+0 30981-4 0 9996
2 03938 63.0304 76.2045 1064768 321.0362 57.6588 12.56412509575016
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
0.0899
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
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