Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights a Starlink satellite launch, an OpTech optical sensor contract for the Space Force, and a unique STEM experiment involving space-flown seeds.
COSMOS 2171 DEB (21843)
COSPAR: 1991-078C | Alt Name: Kosmos-2171 part
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21843
International Designator
1991-078C
Decay Date
1/18/1992
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2171 DEB
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2171 part
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
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
Kobal't AO part
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Yantar' deb
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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