Space Brief 7 Mar 2025
Key insights from the latest SpaceX Starship breakup, the establishment of a new satellite mobile service, and enhancing America's missile shield capabilities through satellites.
COSMOS 1978 DEB (19630)
COSPAR: 1988-097F | Alt Name: KDU part
DECAYED
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
19630
International Designator
1988-097F
Decay Date
11/14/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1978 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
Unknown
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.
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.
X Report 9 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th orbital mission. Both launches underscore the company's commitment to expanding its satellite internet constellation and solidifying its position in the space industry.
X Report 26 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to make waves with record launches and emerging challenges in its lunar endeavors. A new launch site on the West Coast promises to ramp up capacity, even as the Falcon 9 prepares for its eventual retirement.
The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
Space Brief 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
NROL-72 Spy Satellites Launched; Starlink PNT Blocked | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's 13th NRO proliferated-arch mission lifted off May 11 as Starlink shuts its GPS-rival feature ahead of a looming IPO.
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.