NASA Awards Private Mars Orbiter Contract for 2028 | KeepTrack X Report
A California firm wins NASA's Aeolus Mars orbiter contract, targeting 2028 launch for the first daily global Martian environment measurements.
SL-18 DEB (24746)
COSPAR: 1997-010C | Alt Name: Start DS cover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 1997
Launch Site
SVOBO
Launch Pad
LC5
Launch Vehicle
Start-1.2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24746
International Designator
1997-010C
Decay Date
6/5/1998
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-18 DEB
Alternative Name
Start DS cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VKS
Country
Russia
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
1
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.1667
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Start
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
KMIT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Start
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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