Space Brief 31 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant GPS satellite launch by SpaceX, China's classified satellite mission, and Rocket Lab's strategic steps in the defense sector.
COSMOS 554 DEB (06492)
COSPAR: 1973-021BB | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-554
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 19, 1973
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06492
International Designator
1973-021BB
Decay Date
5/30/1973
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 554 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Kosmos-554
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.
Falcon 9 Booster Hits Record 35th Flight | KeepTrack X Report
A Falcon 9 booster sets a reusability record on its 35th flight during the Starlink 10-35 mission, the constellation's 53rd dedicated launch.
X Report 29 Aug 2025
SpaceX celebrates a record-breaking Falcon 9 launch while Starship demonstrates strong performance in its recent test flight, fueling excitement for upcoming projects.
X Report 25 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched NASA's TRACERS mission while Starlink faced a brief global outage, affecting users worldwide.
X Report 9 Nov 2024
SpaceX successfully launches a new batch of Starlink satellites, while Viasat seeks LEO capacity amid rising competition.
X Report 10 May 2025
SpaceX continues its rapid launch cadence by deploying 28 Starlink satellites while expanding its service with collaborations such as United Airlines and Entel in Chile.
Space Force Awards $437M to Viasat, SES for Military Satcom | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Four new GEO satellites replace vulnerable single-satellite systems.
SpaceX Preps First February Starlink Launch, Orbital Data Centers Gain Traction | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starlink 17-32 launch of 25 satellites from Vandenberg. Orbital data center economics draw attention from Musk and Bezos. 9,614 Starlink sats on orbit.