SpaceX's Military Pivot Takes Center Stage, X Report 19 Jul 2026
This Week In Space Episode 219 examines SpaceX's expanding military ties as Starlink's constellation tops 12,552 satellites launched.
COSMOS 252 DEB (05516)
COSPAR: 1968-097CR | Alt Name: Unknown deb
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 1, 1968
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC90/20
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-2A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05516
International Designator
1968-097CR
Decay Date
10/10/1979
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 252 DEB
Alternative Name
Unknown deb
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
PKO
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
0.0141
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, NASA SLS Leak Tests Struggle | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX reaches 600th Falcon 9 launch with Starlink 17-13 from Vandenberg. NASA SLS hydrogen leak repairs only partially successful. New book explores forces shaping space.
Space Brief 3 Mar 2025
Historic moon landing by Firefly Aerospace, Spanish Air and Space Force advances with new simulator, and spotlight on OneWeb's communication satellite.
X Report 29 Jul 2025
Today’s brief highlights developments including the Crew-11 launch preparations and the impact of Starlink satellites on radio telescope observations.
Space Brief 28 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 250th Starlink mission, a key Senate vote for NASA's next administrator, and insights into satellite missions and movements.
Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
Space Force Opens Secret Tracking Data to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force shares classified tracking data with commercial firms. Falcon 9 reentry linked to upper-atmosphere lithium plume. SpaceX launches 54 Starlink sats in one day.
X Report 11 Jan 2025
Starship Flight 7 scheduled for Jan 13, SpaceX sets Falcon 9 record, and NRO expands spy satellite constellation.