The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
SL-16 DEB (27690)
COSPAR: 2001-056J | Alt Name: Sep Motor Cover
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 10, 2001
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC45/1
Launch Vehicle
Zenit-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27690
International Designator
2001-056J
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:50:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
100.37°
Right Ascension
54.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
195.41°
Period
108.18 min
Mean Motion
13.31 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-16 DEB
Alternative Name
Sep Motor Cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
KVR
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 27690U 01056J 26185.11849277 -.00000027 00000-0 36254-4 0 9991
2 27690 100.3731 54.4010 0181879 195.4124 318.6998 13.31099149192731
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
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Cone
Radar Cross Section
0.0849
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Sep Motor Cover
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZHUA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Sep Motor Cover
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
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