Space Brief 23 Mar 2025
Discover today's fascinating space events, from exceptional aurora displays to potential exomoon formations, alongside intriguing satellite insights.
SL-8 DEB (21959)
COSPAR: 1991-009CH | 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
21959
International Designator
1991-009CH
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:50:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
73.97°
Right Ascension
151.00°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
68.71°
Period
118.13 min
Mean Motion
12.19 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
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 21959U 91009CH 26184.91022310 .00000042 00000-0 53851-3 0 9995
2 21959 73.9669 151.0020 0129034 68.7052 321.9312 12.18971201570458
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
0.0315
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.
Space Brief 31 Dec 2025
Notable space events as the year closes: China's record orbital launches, Vandenberg's new launch site, Rocket Lab's achievements, and urgent MAVEN recovery efforts.
STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus
On May 4, 1989, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from LC-39B carrying Magellan, NASA's first interplanetary mission since 1978. The eleven-year drought ended in a payload bay, and the radar that emerged would map ninety-eight percent of Venus through clouds that no camera could ever see through.
Space Brief 23 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a space debris incident involving China's spacecraft, development advancements for military space missions, and a notable setback for SpaceX's Starship booster.
X Report 22 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks a successful launch of 21 Starlink satellites, follows up after Starship explosion, and influences Qantas flights amid a busy operational schedule.
Space Brief 18 Dec 2025
Today's updates cover Rocket Lab's launch for the U.S. Space Force, Digantara's major funding round, and discussions on national security in space.
Top 10 Features You Didn't Know About Starlink
Discover the hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's revolutionary Starlink satellite internet service, from Easter eggs to advanced technical features.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Static Fire Test at Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's fourth New Glenn rocket exploded during static fire at LC-36, Cape Canaveral, destroying the fully stacked vehicle and pad infrastructure. Amazon Leo launch postponed indefinitely.