Space Brief 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
Launch Date
December 24, 1996
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
NORAD ID
24706
International Designator
1996-073C
Decay Date
3/10/1997
Name
BION 11 DEB
Alternative Name
KB electropitaniya
Type
Status
Owner
TSSKBP
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
1
Diameter
1.8
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
810
Launch Mass
810
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
1.7527
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
KBE
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKBP
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit KBE
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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