Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.
COSMOS 884 DEB (09640)
COSPAR: 1976-123E | Alt Name: KDU
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 17, 1976
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09640
International Designator
1976-123E
Decay Date
1/1/1977
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 884 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
425
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KDU
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKB
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 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, Pentagon's investment in defense technologies, and key military upgrades.
Space Force Modernizes Networks Across 14 Bases, SDA Expands $3.5B Satellite Program | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force initiates cybersecurity network upgrades across 14 bases. SDA expands $3.5B Tracking Layer with 72 new satellites. SpaceX and China drive record orbital launches in 2025.
The Day We Banned the Word "Film"
On January 20, 1972, the second KH-9 HEXAGON lifted off from Vandenberg - carrying the most sophisticated reconnaissance system ever built by engineers who weren't allowed to say 'film,' 'camera,' or even talk to each other about what they were doing.
NASA Awards SpaceX 6 More Crew Missions as Boeing Stalls | KeepTrack X Report
NASA is adding 6 post-certification crew missions to SpaceX's contract as Boeing remains unable to certify Starliner for operational flights.
Starcloud Files 88,000-Satellite Constellation Plan | KeepTrack Space Brief
Starcloud files FCC plans for 88,000-satellite orbital data center constellation, matching scale of Starlink and Amazon Kuiper expansions. Massive LEO conjunction risk implications.
X Report 20 Dec 2024
SpaceX gears up for multiple significant missions while managing a Crew Dragon delay. Vast Space partners with SpaceX for ISS missions, and Lunar landers prepare for lift-offs.
X Report 24 Apr 2025
SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.