COSMOS 973 DEB (10558)

COSPAR: 1977-124D | Alt Name: Kapsula Kosmosa-973
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 973 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 27, 1977

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

10558

International Designator

1977-124D

Decay Date

1/25/1978

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 973 DEB

Alternative Name

Kapsula Kosmosa-973

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

TSSKB

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

1.8

Span

1.8

Dry Mass

630

Launch Mass

630

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Nauka 27KS No. 1L

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

TSSKB

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Nauka

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.

Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon increases Golden Dome missile defense budget by $10B to $185B, funding HBTSS hypersonic tracking constellation expansion. Three acceleration priorities announced.

X Report 30 Jun 2025

X Report 30 Jun 2025

SpaceX is exploring alternative options for static fire tests amid infrastructure setbacks, emphasizing their adaptability in operations.

X Report 7 May 2025

X Report 7 May 2025

SpaceX achieves significant milestones with a successful Falcon 9 launch carrying 28 Starlink satellites and receives FAA approval for increased Starship launches, amidst challenges posed by India's new satellite regulations.

X Report 21 Jun 2025

X Report 21 Jun 2025

Today's report highlights the causes behind a recent Starship explosion, a significant delay in Axiom-4's launch, and the ongoing tension surrounding SpaceX's market dominance.

B1067 Sets 36-Flight Booster Record on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report

B1067 Sets 36-Flight Booster Record on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report

Booster B1067 hit 36 flights on July 9, while SpaceX files to expand Starlink to 100,000 satellites at 4,400 lbs each.

Space Brief 15 Sep 2025

Space Brief 15 Sep 2025

Discover the latest in satellite tracking with key topics covering the launch of Tranche 1 satellites for the Space Development Agency, a record-setting Transporter-15 mission by Exolaunch, and new defense-focused satellite connectivity solutions by Satlink and Rivada.

X Report 5 Dec 2024

X Report 5 Dec 2024

SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.

ESA-China SMILE Mission Reaches Orbit After 10-Year Push | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA-China SMILE Mission Reaches Orbit After 10-Year Push | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA-China SMILE spacecraft successfully launched from Kourou to image Earth's magnetosphere. First continuous global views of solar wind interaction now in orbit.