Space Brief 17 Dec 2023
Rocket Lab's successful Electron return to flight, China's third Shenlong mission, lessons from Virgin Orbit's failure in the UK, Hubble's 30-year post-repair anniversary, and a summary of recent global launches.
COSMOS 2251 DEB (37521)
COSPAR: 1993-036BNA | 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
37521
International Designator
1993-036BNA
Decay Date
4/27/2023
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
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0091
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.
Space Brief 9 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.
X Report 24 Apr 2025
SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.
X Report 15 Jul 2025
Crew-11 launch preparations ramp up, Starship propellant production begins, and a global launch roundup highlights upcoming missions.
The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World
Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory
Space Brief 5 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers Lockheed Martin's pursuits in missile interception, key military advancements in space integration, the UK launch license for Skyrora, and much more.
Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon increases Golden Dome missile defense budget by $10B to $185B, funding HBTSS hypersonic tracking constellation expansion. Three acceleration priorities announced.
SpaceX Launches AST SpaceMobile Block 2 BlueBird Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launched three Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile from Cape Canaveral. Block 2 variants are larger with enhanced capacity compared to Block 1 units already in orbit.