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.
COSMOS 515 DEB (06171)
COSPAR: 1972-063E | Alt Name: PTDU cover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 1972
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06171
International Designator
1972-063E
Decay Date
9/2/1972
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 515 DEB
Alternative Name
PTDU cover
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
KDU part
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.
Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.
The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Universe
Forty-seven years ago, a revolutionary space telescope changed our view of the cosmos, pioneering international cooperation in space-based astronomy
New Glenn Static Fire Anomaly Grounds Amazon Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn suffered catastrophic anomaly during static fire test at LC-36. Amazon LEO satellites pulled; NASA lunar missions now in question.
X Report 11 Aug 2025
Severe weather conditions disrupt the launch of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites, highlighting ongoing challenges in satellite deployment amidst increasing competition in the space industry.
Space Brief 22 Nov 2024
Today's key topics include delays in Vulcan's national security launches, a significant network upgrade contract for the Space Force, and military interest in SpaceX's Starship.
The Feasibility of Transitioning from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine
As Ukraine explores alternatives to SpaceX's Starlink, the potential adoption of Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite network raises critical questions about connectivity, resilience, and strategic autonomy.
Space Brief 8 Jun 2025
A busy day in space as delays hit Boeing's Starliner launch, SpaceX continues its rapid launch cadence, new concerns arise with the discovery of bacteria on the Tiangong space station, and the European Space Agency supports a pivotal Moon mission.