Space Brief 22 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's 99th operational launch, China's calibration satellite launch, and Space Force's role in a commercial space age. Special spotlight on the satellite YAOGAN 1!
COSMOS 2121 DEB (21095)
COSPAR: 1991-004C | Alt Name: KDU
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 17, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U-PVB
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21095
International Designator
1991-004C
Decay Date
2/21/1991
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2121 DEB
Alternative Name
KDU
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
UNKSR
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
140
Launch Mass
425
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
0.66
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KDU
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit KDU
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 5 May 2025
Today's brief covers the Army's move to create a space career field for enlisted soldiers, Terran Orbital's involvement in a Space Force tech program, advancements in missile warning systems, a first flight test by Inversion Space, and more.
X Report 28 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.
SpaceX and xAI Tapped for Pentagon's $100M Drone Contest | KeepTrack X Report
Pentagon selects SpaceX and xAI for $100M autonomous drone competition. Two Falcon 9 rockets launch Starlink sats from California and Florida. 11,215 total Starlink satellites launched.
Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2's four-person crew splashed down April 10 after first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. Orion performance data critical for Artemis 3 south pole landing planning.
X Report 15 Jul 2025
Crew-11 launch preparations ramp up, Starship propellant production begins, and a global launch roundup highlights upcoming missions.
Space Brief 14 Jul 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest developments in satellite intelligence funding, new mandates affecting space launch and missile defense, and the early conclusion of a private astronaut mission. We also discuss Firefly Aerospace's plans to go public and stunning imagery from NASA's Parker Solar Probe.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.