The Day That Changed Spaceflight Forever
Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management
SL-8 DEB (21251)
COSPAR: 1991-009BJ | Alt Name: deb S3M
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 12, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21251
International Designator
1991-009BJ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:53:12 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
73.95°
Right Ascension
320.81°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
162.91°
Period
116.47 min
Mean Motion
12.36 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 DEB
Alternative Name
deb S3M
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 21251U 91009BJ 26184.37027811 -.00000097 00000-0 -61932-3 0 9992
2 21251 73.9546 320.8084 0148489 162.9059 226.9312 12.36345122593313
Source: Celestrak
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
0.0364
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Korean Optical Wide-field patroL-Network (OWL-Net)
South Korea's sophisticated network of robotic telescopes provides critical space situational awareness while strengthening the nation's position in space security amid regional tensions
Space Brief 21 Feb 2025
Explore the latest developments in international defense collaborations, aerospace advancements, and emerging military trends shaping our orbital environments.
Space Brief 27 Aug 2025
Today's key space events include SpaceX's launch of the secretive X-37B military drone, XTAR's U.S. defense market strategy, and China's space station AI upgrade.
Space Brief 1 Nov 2024
Today's update highlights Boeing's challenges with the Starliner, Europe's IRIS2 constellation advancement, China's CAS Space's global ambitions, and vivid new telescope images of cosmic events.
Europe's First Starlink Direct-to-Smartphone Service Goes Live | KeepTrack X Report
Virgin Media O2 launches Europe's first Starlink direct-to-smartphone service in the UK. SpaceX launches 29 more Starlink satellites. Dragon cargo capsule returns after 6-month ISS mission.
Space Brief 17 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers crucial satellite events including upcoming launches, military space developments, and exceptional celestial sightings.
X Report 4 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the successful launch of 29 Starlink satellites, progress on the Starship fleet, and ongoing adjustments in SpaceX's launch schedules.