Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.
SL-12 PLAT (33381)
COSPAR: 2008-046D | Alt Name: Perekhodnik
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 25, 2008
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-M/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
33381
International Designator
2008-046D
Decay Date
9/26/2008
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 PLAT
Alternative Name
Perekhodnik
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
KHRR
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
4
Diameter
3.7
Span
4
Dry Mass
800
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.862
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Sredniy perekhodnik
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Adapter
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 Force Adds Relativity, Impulse to NSSL Phase 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force expands National Security Space Launch Phase 3 with Relativity Space and Impulse Space joining Lane 1 competition. New entrants gain pathway to military payload contracts.
Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
Artemis II Rolls Out to Pad 39B, China Hit by Dual Launch Failures | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis II SLS/Orion rolls to Launch Complex 39B for first crewed lunar mission since 1972. China suffers dual launch failures on the same day. SpainSat NG 2 declared total loss from debris strike.
DARPA Robotic GEO Servicer Targeting Summer 2026 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
DARPA's robotic satellite servicing mission targets GEO orbit by summer 2026. NASA adds six SpaceX crew missions as Boeing Starliner remains uncertified.
Seismic Networks Now Track Space Junk, Pentagon Faces Golden Dome Cost Challenges | KeepTrack Space Brief
Johns Hopkins researchers use seismic networks to track space debris in near real-time. Pentagon faces Golden Dome production scale challenges. SpaceX launches 25 Starlink sats in seventh 2026 mission.
Pentagon Seeks Commercially Built GEO Spy Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon's DIU seeks commercial partners for GEO spy satellites. SpaceX unveils space traffic management system. Bahamas rocket landings resume. GPS III falls short in modern warfare.
Starlink V2: 100x Faster, 5G Direct-to-Phone for Europe | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Starlink V2 promises 100x data density for 5G direct-to-phone service. Deutsche Telekom targets 10 European countries by 2028.