COSMOS 1978 DEB (19628)

COSPAR: 1988-097D | Alt Name: Blenda
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 1978 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 27, 1988

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC16/2

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

19628

International Designator

1988-097D

Decay Date

11/12/1988

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1978 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

5.7

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.

Space Brief 22 Dec 2025

Space Brief 22 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's record year, setbacks in Japanese space endeavors, secure communication advancements in orbit, and more updates on martian expeditions.

Space Brief 31 Dec 2025

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.

Graveyard Orbit

Graveyard Orbit

The final resting place for retired satellites, a disposal orbit where defunct spacecraft are sent to stay out of the way

X Report 24 Aug 2025

X Report 24 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its CRS-33 Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, while preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10 continue, highlighting significant advancements in both cargo operations and test flight reliability.

The Bomb That NASA Built by Accident

The Bomb That NASA Built by Accident

An overlooked thermostat, eight hours of overheating on a Florida launch pad, and 200,000 miles of coasting through deep space. Then Oxygen Tank No. 2 tore itself apart, and three men had to figure out how to come home alive in a spacecraft designed to land on the Moon.

X Report 5 Apr 2025

X Report 5 Apr 2025

SpaceX secures major U.S. military contracts, Fram2 concludes historic mission, and preparations for another Starlink launch.

Space Brief 23 Apr 2025

Space Brief 23 Apr 2025

Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.

Space Brief 25 Oct 2024

Space Brief 25 Oct 2024

Today's highlights include Crew-8's return amid weather delays, new space tourism announcements by Deep Blue Aerospace, and Europe's efforts to combat space debris. Plus, another successful SpaceX launch and the ESA backed Zero Debris Charter gains international traction.