Space Brief 27 Jul 2025
Busy activities in space: SpaceX's series of Starlink launches dominate the week, while Vega C successfully deploys Earth science satellites.
COSMOS 2053 DEB (20408)
COSPAR: 1989-100E | Alt Name: Kosmos-2053 SS 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 27, 1989
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC32/2
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20408
International Designator
1989-100E
Decay Date
3/9/1990
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2053 DEB
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2053 SS 3
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
PVO
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
0.2
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.2
Dry Mass
5
Launch Mass
5
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.01
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ESO
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
ESO
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 29 Nov 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a Soyuz launch mishap that damaged Baikonur pad, Varda Space's AFRL test flights, ION vehicles aboard SpaceX Transporter-15, and more.
SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing on Starlink 17-22 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX attempts its 600th Falcon 9 booster landing during the Starlink 17-22 mission, adding 25 satellites from Vandenberg SFB.
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.
X Report 17 May 2025
SpaceX gains regulatory approval for a new Starship test flight, further expands its role in U.S. defense, and successfully launches 26 additional Starlink satellites. United Airlines also rolls out Starlink Wi-Fi on its flights.
Varda W-5 Reentry Lands in Australia, Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill | KeepTrack Space Brief
Varda Space's W-5 mission lands safely in Australia. Leonardo DRS wins SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3 infrared payload contract. Senate passes $839B defense bill.
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.
The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build
For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been the world's unofficial civilian space traffic control system. The Department of Commerce's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is now taking over that job for commercial satellite operators - in stages, against persistent congressional pressure to kill the program, and with Department of Defense advocates pushing to make it happen before it is too late.