The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
COSMOS 2421 DEB (32864)
COSPAR: 2006-026DP | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-2421
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 25, 2006
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC90/20
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
32864
International Designator
2006-026DP
Decay Date
6/9/2008
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2421 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Kosmos-2421
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
0.037
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ARSL
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.
Space Object Catalog
The master ledger of everything orbiting Earth: how tens of thousands of satellites, rocket bodies, and debris fragments are tracked and numbered
X Report 14 Dec 2025
On December 14, 2025, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone with its 550th booster landing following the launch of 27 new Starlink satellites, while exploring potential IPO strategies to fund future projects.
Space Brief 10 Feb 2025
Discover today's key space events: SpaceX's Starlink launch, rocket debris risks, and advancements in nuclear rocket technology.
Space Brief 7 Jul 2025
Today's key topics include the halting of the U.S. Air Force's rocket landing pad plans, the Space Force's shift to a flexible satellite strategy, delays in Australia's Eris 1 rocket launch, and the controversial cut of satellite sea-ice data to climate scientists.
Space Brief 25 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights the need for better space debris management, multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, and NASA's upcoming lunar cargo delivery plans.
Space Brief 16 Oct 2024
In today's briefing: China accelerates its satellite megaconstellation. A comprehensive ESA-led optical data network is in the works, marking a key step in satellite communications. NASA's Artemis II crew visits Ohio in preparation for their lunar journey. SpaceX's record-breaking rocket launches continue. Plus, insights into nuclear rockets that could drastically shorten Mars missions.
Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit
We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.