The Day a Giant Space Balloon United the Cold War
When a 135-foot inflatable mirror bounced a radio signal from England to Russia, it became the first joint US-Soviet space venture - and changed how we think about satellite communication.
SL-6 DEB (11664)
COSPAR: 1980-002C | Alt Name: BOZ
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 11, 1980
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11664
International Designator
1980-002C
Decay Date
1/27/1980
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 DEB
Alternative Name
BOZ
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
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
2.3
Span
1
Dry Mass
328
Launch Mass
328
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
BOZ
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NPOE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
BOZ
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.
X Report 28 Dec 2025
SpaceX scrubs a launch due to ground system issues while continuing its ambitious deployment of Starlink satellites.
Space Brief 2 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers India's military communications satellite launch, SpaceX's Starlink mission milestone, Latvia's agreement to the Artemis Accords, and more significant updates in space technology and satellite launches.
Space Brief 11 Nov 2025
Record-breaking Chinese launches, SDA funding issues, and a new Starlink milestone highlight today's space news.
X Report 25 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple Starlink batches, FAA updates for Starship, and NASA plans lunar cargo deliveries involving SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.
Army Recruiting 1,000 Space Specialists Alongside Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
Army launches space career field seeking 1,000 new specialists. HASC chair Rogers eyes $1.5T defense budget. Army and Marines share fire mission data via JADC2.
NASA Ends MAVEN After 6-Month Contact Loss; Falcon 9 Sets 35th Reuse Record | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA concludes MAVEN mission after six months attempting to restore contact with Mars probe. Meanwhile, Falcon 9 booster flies record 35th flight on Starlink 10-35 mission.