COSMOS 1863 DEB (18217)

COSPAR: 1987-056F | Alt Name: Blenda
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 1863 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 4, 1987

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC41/1

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18217

International Designator

1987-056F

Decay Date

11/13/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1863 DEB

Alternative Name

Blenda

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

1

Diameter

0.4

Span

1

Dry Mass

20

Launch Mass

20

Shape

Box

Radar Cross Section

1.35

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 12 Apr 2025

X Report 12 Apr 2025

Key developments include the launch of Starshield satellites for the NRO and updates on Starlink launches and NASA access concerns involving Elon Musk's team.

MDA Space Buys Blue Canyon for $620M, Space Brief 20 Jun 2026

MDA Space Buys Blue Canyon for $620M, Space Brief 20 Jun 2026

MDA Space acquires Blue Canyon Technologies for $620 million, and NASA's 2028 Aeolus Mars orbiter goes to a California startup instead of SpaceX.

X Report 21 Nov 2025

X Report 21 Nov 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its 100th launch of the year, enhancing Starlink's coverage while preparing for an escalating Starship production cadence.

X Report 20 Mar 2025

X Report 20 Mar 2025

SpaceX successfully rotates Crew-9 and Crew-10 on the ISS and launches new Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability.

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.

Space Brief 16 Jul 2025

Space Brief 16 Jul 2025

Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.

Atlas 5 Retires After Final 551 Flight to Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack Space Brief

Atlas 5 Retires After Final 551 Flight to Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA launches the final Atlas 5 551 configuration—its heaviest variant with 5 solid boosters—carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite to low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral.

X Report 22 Nov 2024

X Report 22 Nov 2024

SpaceX edges closer to increased Starship launch approvals, secures lunar rover delivery, eyes potential military collaboration, and continues rapid satellite deployment.