Space Brief 30 Oct 2024
Today's briefing covers China's successful Shenzhou 19 launch to the Tiangong space station, NASA's upcoming spacewalks plan after a spacesuit issue, and innovative propulsion research for space journeys.
Launch Date
March 15, 1972
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
NORAD ID
05909
International Designator
1972-015D
Decay Date
3/28/1972
Name
COSMOS 478 DEB
Alternative Name
Blenda
Type
Status
Owner
GUKOSR
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
1
Diameter
0.4
Span
1
Dry Mass
20
Launch Mass
20
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
BZA
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit BZA
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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