Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
COSMOS 1601 DEB (15982)
COSPAR: 1984-104L | Alt Name: Kosmos-1601 SS 5
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 27, 1984
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15982
International Designator
1984-104L
Decay Date
3/9/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1601 DEB
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1601 SS 5
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
PVO
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
0.2
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.2
Dry Mass
5
Launch Mass
5
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.3
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ESO
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
ESO
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.
Starlink Installed on Presidential Air Force One | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX Starlink connectivity equips Trump's $400M interim Air Force One as Falcon 9 prepares to orbit 24 more satellites on mission 17-28.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.
X Report 13 Dec 2025
SpaceX continues making strides in satellite deployments and Starship preparations while managing challenges in space traffic.
Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit
We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.
X Report 1 Mar 2025
FAA greenlights Flight 8 of SpaceX's Starship while senators examine Air Force nominee's ties to the company.
SpaceX Valued at $1.25T as IPO Signals Intensify | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits a $1.25 trillion valuation as IPO speculation mounts, Starlink 17-17 lifts off from Vandenberg, and a quantum sensor rides to orbit.
X Report 6 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves a milestone with its 350th successful mission, including a significant Starlink launch, while Starship advances in testing. Meanwhile, SpaceX boosts SiriusXM's satellite fleet and industry competitors make strides.