Space Brief 16 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.
SL-4 DEB (10500)
COSPAR: 1977-110C | Alt Name: Sensor cover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 4, 1977
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
10500
International Designator
1977-110C
Decay Date
1/6/1978
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 DEB
Alternative Name
Sensor 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
Zenit-4MK sensor cover
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKB
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.
Artemis 2 Crewed Lunar Flyby Scheduled for April 1 | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis II launches 4 astronauts on lunar flyby April 1. Soyuz-5 inaugural flight confirmed for April 3. Space warfare doctrines shift toward agentic AI for faster decision loops.
X Report 17 May 2025
SpaceX gains regulatory approval for a new Starship test flight, further expands its role in U.S. defense, and successfully launches 26 additional Starlink satellites. United Airlines also rolls out Starlink Wi-Fi on its flights.
Space Brief 15 Jan 2025
Focus on Varda's second mission launch, new U.S. Defense Department tool for satellite anomaly investigation, and a detailed Satellite Spotlight on CELESTIS 21/Varisat 1C.
Space Brief 22 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers a reveal from the US Space Force of the X-37B space plane in orbit, a developing defense shakeup involving key military leaders, confirmation of advanced federated ICAM connections by the DoD, and SAAB's plan for a Euro defense coalition. Plus, we spotlight the BDSAT-2 CubeSat.
Iran Strikes UAE and Saudi Targets, Space Force Opens Tracking to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Iran launches drones and missiles at UAE and Saudi targets. Space Force opens secretive tracking data to commercial firms. Falcon 9 breakup linked to lithium pollution in upper atmosphere.
X Report 28 Dec 2025
SpaceX scrubs a launch due to ground system issues while continuing its ambitious deployment of Starlink satellites.
Space Brief 4 Nov 2024
China's Tiangong space station completes crew rotation, Rocket Lab prepares for confidential launch, and Japan successfully launches military satellite with its H3 rocket.