COSMOS 970 DEB (12863)

COSPAR: 1977-121AR | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-970

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 21, 1977

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC90

Launch Vehicle

Tsiklon-2

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12863

International Designator

1977-121AR

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:30:43 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

65.78°

Right Ascension

73.42°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

67.14°

Period

105.20 min

Mean Motion

13.69 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

COSMOS 970 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Kosmos-970

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

PKO

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 12863U 77121AR  26184.89633356  .00000738  00000-0  93939-3 0  9996

2 12863  65.7828  73.4179 0052765  67.1398  66.9313 13.68823814311229

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0117

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

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Latitude

Longitude

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