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-12 DEB (29310)
COSPAR: 1989-039R | Alt Name: deb DM2-39L SOZ-1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 31, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/40
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29310
International Designator
1989-039R
Decay Date
3/13/2012
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 DEB
Alternative Name
deb DM2-39L SOZ-1
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
KVR
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
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0548
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Launches CAS500-2 and 44 Rideshares, Space Brief 3 May 2026
SpaceX CAS500-2 launch success: Falcon 9 flew May 3 at 0700 UTC from Vandenberg with South Korea's imaging satellite and 44 rideshare payloads.
Space Brief 29 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers China's Beidou satellite plans, SpaceX's Starship advancements, potential Space Command HQ relocation, and more.
Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
SaxaVord Spaceport
The UK's orbital ambitions rest on a remote Shetland island. How SaxaVord became Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport - and why, despite being ready for years, it's still waiting for a rocket that works.
Starlink Crosses 10,000 Active Satellites, X Report 18 Mar 2026
Starlink satellite count 2026: SpaceX tops 10,000 active satellites, 10,037 working of 11,558 launched, under seven years after first launch.
Space Brief 26 May 2025
Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.
SpaceX Wins $2.29B Space Force LEO Comms Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX awarded $2.29 billion to build Space Force's LEO communications backbone, integrating with SDA Transport layer satellites for military tactical data relay through space.