The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
SL-8 DEB (12404)
COSPAR: 1980-022C | Alt Name: Kosmos-1168 launch debris
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 17, 1980
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12404
International Designator
1980-022C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:20:38 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
82.91°
Right Ascension
190.17°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
12.66°
Period
98.47 min
Mean Motion
14.62 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 DEB
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1168 launch debris
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VMF
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12404U 80022C 26185.01434000 .00010082 00000-0 19872-2 0 9997
2 12404 82.9056 190.1669 0008173 12.6553 347.4855 14.62412538369624
Source: Celestrak
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
0.0138
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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