SL-4 DEB (20938)

COSPAR: 1990-098C | Alt Name: Sensor cover

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

November 16, 1990

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/4

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20938

International Designator

1990-098C

Decay Date

11/19/1990

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-4 DEB

Alternative Name

Sensor cover

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Sensor cover

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.

Space Brief 3 Sep 2025

Today's Space Brief delves into NASA's lunar nuclear power initiative, a strategic Army data integration project, and a rare SpaceX Falcon booster launch. Also covered are significant advancements in military satellite technology and Navy unmanned surface vehicles.

X Report 28 Mar 2025

SpaceX sees another successful Starlink launch and faces strategic contract discussions as NASA pivots to reliable Dragon missions.

X Report 31 Oct 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 100th Starlink launch while refining its lunar lander design for NASA's Artemis program amidst calls for architectural changes.

X Report 12 Mar 2025

SpaceX successfully launches NASA missions, prepares for Crew-10 flight, and overcomes Falcon 9 launch anomalies.

Space Brief 12 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers a groundbreaking national security mission for ULA's Vulcan, NASA's collaboration with LeoLabs for enhanced collision avoidance, and SEOPS' new satellite tracking services, among other key developments.

The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth

Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage

X Report 26 Nov 2025

This edition highlights SpaceX's ambitious plans for Starship in light of recent developments, a busy launch week featuring multiple missions, and the latest updates on Starlink's operational status.

X Report 8 Sep 2025

The FAA has approved an increase in Falcon 9 launches while reviewing the environmental impacts of Starship launches in Florida, amidst growing community concerns on noise and other issues related to the Starship program.