COSMOS 970 DEB (18494)

COSPAR: 1977-121BQ | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-970

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 21, 1977

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC90

Launch Vehicle

Tsiklon-2

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18494

International Designator

1977-121BQ

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:52:04 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

65.82°

Right Ascension

152.95°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

308.13°

Period

105.77 min

Mean Motion

13.61 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 970 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Kosmos-970

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

PKO

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 18494U 77121BQ  26183.20283245  .00000072  00000-0  18690-3 0  9996

2 18494  65.8193 152.9456 0123119 308.1312  70.9109 13.61432330869529

Source: Celestrak

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0151

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Unknown

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

Unknown

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Unknown

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

The Day Soviet Women Reached for the Stars

Sixty-three years ago, the Soviet Union selected the world's first female cosmonaut training group, launching a new era in human spaceflight that would transform our understanding of gender equality in space exploration

Space Brief 31 Dec 2025

Notable space events as the year closes: China's record orbital launches, Vandenberg's new launch site, Rocket Lab's achievements, and urgent MAVEN recovery efforts.

Space Brief 21 Oct 2024

Today's Space Brief covers SpaceX's recent launch for OneWeb, advances in remote-control robots for lunar missions, the power loss of Intelsat 33e, and developments in inflatable space habitats.

Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Wingmen | KeepTrack Space Brief

Air Force awards CCA contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for autonomous fighter wingmen. Autonomy layer split across Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace.

Space Brief 10 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers China's intense launch schedule, a new Arctic military constellation, Muon Space's defense innovations, and SpaceX's classified NROL-77 mission.

First Nuclear-Powered Commercial Satellite Flies on Transporter-17 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Transporter-17 rideshare carried 81 payloads including history's first nuclear-powered commercial satellite on July 7.

MDA and Hanwha Partner on South Korea K-LEO Defense Network | KeepTrack Space Brief

MDA Space and Hanwha target South Korea's K-LEO defense satellite network. House passes $839B defense bill. Pentagon picks 25 vendors for $150M drone competition.

Space Brief 18 Feb 2025

Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.