Space Brief 3 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.
COSMOS 1249 DEB [PELPS] (12552)
COSPAR: 1981-021D | Alt Name: Kosmos-1249 DU
DECAYED
Image
![COSMOS 1249 DEB [PELPS] Satellite Image](/images/sat/deb1.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 5, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC90
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12552
International Designator
1981-021D
Decay Date
7/19/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1249 DEB [PELPS]
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1249 DU
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VMF
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
3.7
Diameter
1.3
Span
3.7
Dry Mass
1993
Launch Mass
2593
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
9.59
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
US-A DU
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
KOMET
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
US-A DU
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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