COSMOS 252 DEB (03601)

COSPAR: 1968-097Z | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-249

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

November 1, 1968

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC90/20

Launch Vehicle

Tsiklon-2A

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03601

International Designator

1968-097Z

Decay Date

6/30/1980

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 252 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Kosmos-249

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

PKO

Country

USSR

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0411

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.

The Dog They Never Planned to Bring Home

On April 14, 1958, Sputnik 2 burned up over the North Atlantic, carrying the remains of a stray dog from Moscow who had been dead for five months. The Soviet Union told the world she survived for days. It took forty-five years for the truth to come out.

Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.

Space Brief 6 Nov 2024

Discover the latest in satellite technology with the launch of the world's first wooden satellite, new test materials for the ISS, and significant developments in orbital space debris.

X Report 31 Oct 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 100th Starlink launch while refining its lunar lander design for NASA's Artemis program amidst calls for architectural changes.

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.

X Report 3 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch from Florida, while recent Starship incident raises environmental concerns.

The Day Columbia's Crew Shared Their Vision of Peace

Twenty-two years ago, the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia awakened to John Lennon's 'Imagine' and shared a profound message about unity and peace that would become part of their enduring legacy

NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Airborne Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO awards three commercial data contracts and explores vetting satellite firms for airborne target tracking via U.S. Space Force. Strategic expansion of GEOINT capabilities.