$4.16B Space Force Contract Goes to SpaceX, X Report 30 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $4.16B US Space Force contract for an airborne threat tracking satellite network. Starlink holds 10,413 satellites in orbit, 10,397 working.
Launch Date
June 21, 1985
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
NORAD ID
15881
International Designator
1985-052F
Decay Date
7/19/1985
Name
COSMOS 1663 DEB
Alternative Name
Blenda
Type
Status
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
1
Diameter
0.4
Span
1
Dry Mass
20
Launch Mass
20
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
0.71
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Sunshade
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit BZA
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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