Space Force Eyes Space Tugs, On-Orbit Refueling by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force commits to operational space tugs and on-orbit refueling by 2030. New capabilities will complicate conjunction analysis for GEO and MEO satellite tracking.
COSMOS 1841 DEB (17968)
COSPAR: 1987-037G | Alt Name: PTDU cover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 24, 1987
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
17968
International Designator
1987-037G
Decay Date
6/11/1987
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1841 DEB
Alternative Name
PTDU cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
UNKS
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
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.57
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KBE part
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit deb
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.
NASA Expands SpaceX Crew Contract as Boeing Stalls | KeepTrack X Report
NASA adds crew missions to SpaceX's contract as Boeing Starliner certification stalls, while Falcon 9 hits its 60th orbital launch of 2026.
Space Force Buys Second Otter Spacecraft for On-Orbit Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force procures second Otter spacecraft for satellite repositioning. Momentus and NASA sign Space Act Agreement for orbital servicing tests. Pentagon delays contractor review.
NASA OIG Flags Starship Artemis Gaps as Falcon 9 Eyes 8-Launch Week | KeepTrack X Report
NASA's Inspector General warns of crew survival analysis gaps in Starship lunar lander program as Falcon 9 prepares to lead 8 global launches this week.
X Report 9 Dec 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on the record-breaking 32nd flight of its Falcon 9 rocket. Elon Musk discusses a potential future as a Type II civilization, emphasizing the role of AI and satellite technology.
SpaceX Opens 2026 With 29 Starlink Satellites, X Report 5 Jan 2026
SpaceX Starlink updates for 2026 open with Starlink 6-88: 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral on Jan 4, after a record 165-launch 2025.
NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched NROL-179 from Vandenberg at 1:50 a.m. PDT June 19, carrying Starshield spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.