ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.
MIR DEB (VDU) (25294)
COSPAR: 1986-017MQ | Alt Name: VDU
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 19, 1986
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25294
International Designator
1986-017MQ
Decay Date
12/2/1998
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MIR DEB (VDU)
Alternative Name
VDU
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NPOE
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
1
Diameter
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
750
Launch Mass
750
Shape
Irr
Radar Cross Section
0.2575
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
VDU No. 1
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
VDU
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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