Space Brief 5 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.
COSMOS 581 DEB (06817)
COSPAR: 1973-059E | Alt Name: KDU
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 24, 1973
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06817
International Designator
1973-059E
Decay Date
9/9/1973
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 581 DEB
Alternative Name
KDU
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
1
Diameter
0.4
Span
1
Dry Mass
140
Launch Mass
430
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KDU
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit KDU
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 Brief 24 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the successes and setbacks in recent rocket launches, a notable satellite anomaly, and a significant expansion announcement from ESA.
Space Brief 30 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest satellite communications advancements, a secretive military launch by SpaceX, and new space defense organizational structures.
X Report 3 Jan 2025
SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.
X Report 28 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up a stellar year with Starship achievements and prepares for a lunar triple-shot in 2025.
X Report 9 Jun 2025
Tensions between SpaceX and the U.S. government escalate as President Trump's threats could have significant implications on the company's operations and future plans. Meanwhile, India takes a significant step in its space endeavors with a historic astronaut launch.
Space Brief 21 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a significant signals intelligence launch, a record-breaking satellite deployment in China, a glimpse into the newest stealth drone, a potential delay for NASA's lunar lander, and more exciting updates from satellite world.
The Day the Navy's Eyes Reached Orbit
Forty-two years ago, an Atlas H rocket climbed into the California sky carrying four objects that would help the U.S. Navy track every Soviet warship on the planet - a mission so secret that even the satellites' true name wasn't declassified until 2023