Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
COSMOS 490 DEB (06039)
COSPAR: 1972-036C | Alt Name: Nauka part
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 17, 1972
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06039
International Designator
1972-036C
Decay Date
5/30/1972
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 490 DEB
Alternative Name
Nauka part
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
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit deb
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 24 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its CRS-33 Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, while preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10 continue, highlighting significant advancements in both cargo operations and test flight reliability.
Space Force Terminates $1.7B SCAR Contract, Relaunches | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force terminated its $1.7B SCAR ground antenna modernization contract and is relaunching competition. Delays extend reliance on aging legacy systems for MEO and GEO satellite command.
Space Brief 26 Aug 2024
Today's briefing covers an exciting new satellite launch, a significant reentry, and unexpected space debris from a fragmentation event.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.
SpaceX Launches CAS500-2 and 44 Rideshares, Space Brief 3 May 2026
SpaceX CAS500-2 launch success: Falcon 9 flew May 3 at 0700 UTC from Vandenberg with South Korea's imaging satellite and 44 rideshare payloads.
SpaceX Names AI Megaconstellation "Starmind" | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX officially names its planned AI megaconstellation Starmind while a Falcon 9 upper stage targets a lunar impact this August.
SpaceX Deploys 21 Military Data-Relay Satellites for SDA, Space Brief 17 Jul 2026
SpaceX launched 21 York Space Systems satellites for Space Development Agency's Tranche 1 Transport Layer, bringing SDA's military data-relay constellation to roughly half its planned size.