The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
COSMOS 1906 DEB (18826)
COSPAR: 1987-108D | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-1906
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 26, 1987
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18826
International Designator
1987-108D
Decay Date
2/28/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1906 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Kosmos-1906
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
0.36
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 12 Feb 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink missions, Satellogic's contract with Brazilian Air Force, OCX, and ATLAS project updates, and DARPA's insights on cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
York Space Goes Public at $629M, Cold War JUMPSEAT Spy Satellites Declassified | KeepTrack Space Brief
York Space raises $629M in IPO to expand satellite manufacturing. NRO declassifies Cold War-era JUMPSEAT spy satellites. Lockheed to boost THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 per year.
Space Brief 20 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, a pivotal delivery to the Space Force, and significant Senate funding for NASA missions.
Space Brief 7 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers significant developments in missile defense, military space operations, and upcoming rocket launches. Keep an eye on the evolving Golden Dome program and the advanced capabilities it brings.
X Report 8 Nov 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 560th Falcon 9 launch, aiming to deploy 29 Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center, while the Bandwagon-4 mission continues to showcase successful rocket landings.
Starship V3 Scrubbed & SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX scrubbed Starship Flight 12's V3 debut due to a hydraulic pin fault, then filed an $18.7B IPO S-1 targeting Nasdaq under ticker SPCX.
SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.