COSMOS 2251 DEB (36443)

COSPAR: 1993-036BAS | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-2251

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

June 16, 1993

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

36443

International Designator

1993-036BAS

Decay Date

6/27/2014

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 2251 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Kosmos-2251

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0128

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 Satellite That Found 22 Photons and Changed Astronomy

On April 27, 1961, a Scout rocket lifted a 37-kilogram NASA satellite into orbit from Wallops Island carrying the first serious instrument for detecting cosmic gamma rays. Explorer 11 operated for seven months before its tape recorder failed. In that time it registered 22 gamma-ray photons - a pitiful number by modern standards, but enough to launch an entire branch of astronomy.

X Report 6 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th Falcon rocket landing. Meanwhile, the Starship program reflects on its journey through ten flights, and competition with Amazon's Project Kuiper heats up as JetBlue opts for their in-flight Wi-Fi service.

Space Brief 8 Dec 2025

Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.

House Backs $55.5B Space Force Budget, Excludes $350B Reconciliation | KeepTrack Space Brief

House appropriators approved $55.5 billion for Space Force but omitted $350 billion reconciliation funds, threatening Golden Dome and large-scale space programs' acquisition timelines.

Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.

Intel Partners on Musk's Terafab AI Chip Fab | KeepTrack X Report

Intel joins Terafab, Elon Musk's Austin AI chip complex, to supply SpaceX and Tesla as Falcon 9 prepares a Cygnus ISS run.

Space Brief 17 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers the first astronaut with a disability preparing for the ISS mission, SpaceX’s recent Starlink launch, funding breakthroughs for satellite tech company K2 Space, and updates on the Artemis program's challenges.

X Report 25 Apr 2025

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites successfully, while Starbase inches closer to city status and business discussions intensify.