Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
SL-8 DEB (05647)
COSPAR: 1971-105C | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-461
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 1971
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05647
International Designator
1971-105C
Decay Date
4/3/1972
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Kosmos-461
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GUKOSR
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
Unknown
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.
X Report 29 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances Starship development while planning future replacements for Falcon and Dragon.
Space Brief 22 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.
X Report 22 Feb 2025
SpaceX secures NASA contract for NEO Surveyor launch and prepares for upcoming Starship test flight.
STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster
Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.
Rheinmetall Weighs Bid for Mynaric Amid Rocket Lab Acquisition | KeepTrack Space Brief
German defense giant Rheinmetall may bid for laser-comm firm Mynaric, challenging Rocket Lab's plans. SpaceX sets Falcon 9 reuse record. Juno reveals Europa ice sheet data.
X Report 21 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its 32nd cargo mission to the ISS, and NRO marks a milestone with over 200 satellites deployed.
Pentagon Pulls the Plug on GPS OCX | The $8 Billion Ground System That Never Worked
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Space Force officially cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System after sixteen years of development, cost overruns, and testing failures. The $8 billion program was supposed to unlock the military's encrypted GPS signal. Instead, the satellites are flying with capabilities the ground can't command.