The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
COSMOS 985 (10599)
COSPAR: 1978-007A | Alt Name: Kosmos-985
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 17, 1978
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
10599
International Designator
1978-007A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:49:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.94°
Right Ascension
16.01°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
145.96°
Period
104.58 min
Mean Motion
13.77 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 985
Alternative Name
Kosmos-985
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
VMF
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 10599U 78007A 26184.82585564 .00000045 00000-0 29480-4 0 9996
2 10599 82.9404 16.0081 0053645 145.9649 214.4969 13.76932785434164
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
2.1
Span
17
Dry Mass
800
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
2.4472
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Parus
Purpose
Navigation, data relay
Mission
Navigation, data relay
Manufacturer
OAZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
KAUR-1 11F627
Configuration
KAUR-1
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build
For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been the world's unofficial civilian space traffic control system. The Department of Commerce's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is now taking over that job for commercial satellite operators - in stages, against persistent congressional pressure to kill the program, and with Department of Defense advocates pushing to make it happen before it is too late.
Space Brief 29 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.
GPS III SV-10 Moves to Falcon 9 After Vulcan Grounded | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX claims a 2nd GPS III launch as ULA's Vulcan investigation stalls, while ESA charters a Crew Dragon ISS mission and Starlink hits 30 launches in 2026.
Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force selects 14 companies for $1.8 billion Andromeda program to replace GSSAP geosynchronous surveillance satellites with commercial alternatives through 2036.
China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Shenlong spaceplane released an unidentified object in orbit, drawing scrutiny amid U.S. Space Force Victus Haze RPO demonstrations. Tracking data critical.
Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
Space Brief 3 Sep 2024
Today's brief covers China's Yaogan-43 satellite launch, delays in ESA's BepiColombo mission, regulatory approval for OHB's KKR deal, and an upcoming Sentinel-2C launch.