COSMOS 1863 DEB (18221)

COSPAR: 1987-056K | Alt Name: KDU part
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

18221

International Designator

1987-056K

Decay Date

8/23/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1863 DEB

Alternative Name

KDU part

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

0.07

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

KDU 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.

Today in Space History 2025

Today in Space History 2025

From Apollo's darkest days to humanity's first transmission from Venus, we spent 2025 remembering the missions that made modern spaceflight possible. Here's what we covered - and why we're committed to keeping this series going.

GPS III SV-10 Moves to Falcon 9 After Vulcan Grounded | KeepTrack X Report

GPS III SV-10 Moves to Falcon 9 After Vulcan Grounded | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX claims a 2nd GPS III launch as ULA's Vulcan investigation stalls, while ESA charters a Crew Dragon ISS mission and Starlink hits 30 launches in 2026.

Space Brief 11 Jun 2025

Space Brief 11 Jun 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a major partnership in space tech distribution, China's orbital refueling preparations under U.S. scrutiny, recent U.S. defense budget reveals, and an exciting hyperspectral imagery release from Xplore.

Space Brief 26 Jul 2025

Space Brief 26 Jul 2025

Today's brief highlights the maiden flight of Blue Origin's Blue Ring spacecraft with a new AI-driven space sensor, debates on asteroid defense responsibilities, and updates on the U.S. Space Force's missile shield leadership.

Space Brief 9 Aug 2025

Space Brief 9 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's upcoming Neutron rocket launch, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor project, and more.

Space Brief 5 Nov 2024

Space Brief 5 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include SpaceX's Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, the first wooden satellite launch, and updates on NASA's Voyager mission. Additionally, the Space Force's X-37B space plane showcases unique aerobraking strategies.

X Report 15 Nov 2024

X Report 15 Nov 2024

SpaceX preps for its sixth Starship test flight, moving the Super Heavy rocket to the pad. China's unveils a Starship-like reusable rocket concept, while Starlink expands with 24 new satellites launched.

Artemis 2 Delayed by Upper Stage Issue, Falcon 9 Hits 33rd Flight | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Delayed by Upper Stage Issue, Falcon 9 Hits 33rd Flight | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA delays Artemis 2 for SLS upper stage fix and pad rollback. SpaceX Falcon 9 booster shatters reuse record with 33rd flight. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for defense work.