Space Brief 4 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers the historic lunar touchdown by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, highlights in military space activity, and a reflection on Pearl Young's pioneering legacy at NASA.
SL-4 DEB (11919)
COSPAR: 1980-066C | Alt Name: Sensor cover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 31, 1980
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11919
International Designator
1980-066C
Decay Date
8/1/1980
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
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 Tracker - Follow Orion's Flight Path in 3D
Follow the complete Artemis II mission in KeepTrack's 3D tracker. Replay Orion's full flight path from launch through the lunar flyby to Pacific splashdown, and scrub to any moment of the ten-day mission.
Starlink Crosses 10,000 Active Satellites, X Report 18 Mar 2026
Starlink satellite count 2026: SpaceX tops 10,000 active satellites, 10,037 working of 11,558 launched, under seven years after first launch.
Space Brief 8 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include Russia's record-setting satellite launch, insights from NASA's AWE during Hurricane Helene, and confirmation of astronaut Suni Williams' good health aboard the ISS.
Space Brief 3 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into military satellite advancements and significant contract awards for space platforms, alongside pivotal European missile warning systems.
Starlink Update: March 2024
As of March 2024, SpaceX's Starlink has made remarkable strides in its quest to provide global broadband internet access. With an astounding number of satellites already in orbit and ambitious plans for expansion, Starlink is on track to dominate Earth's orbit in the coming years.
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.
Jonathan's Space Report
Jonathan's Space Report is a comprehensive resource for space launch and satellite data, compiled by astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell.