COSMOS 249 DEB (03873)

COSPAR: 1968-091BG | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-249 [*]
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 249 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 20, 1968

Launch Pad

LC90/20

Launch Vehicle

Tsiklon-2A

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03873

International Designator

1968-091BG

Decay Date

11/3/1989

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 249 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

0

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.161

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.

X Report 9 Aug 2025

X Report 9 Aug 2025

SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts are set to return to Earth after a five-month mission, while the company prepares for the launch of 24 new Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

X Report 23 Nov 2024

X Report 23 Nov 2024

SpaceX advances with Starship tests as Starlink continues global expansion. Key infrastructure updates from Cape Canaveral involve multiple industry players.

Largest Satellite Debris Events

Largest Satellite Debris Events

Space debris poses a mounting threat to both satellites and space missions. As we send more objects into orbit, the likelihood of collisions and subsequent breakups producing dangerous space debris increases. Recognizing the major events that have generated this dangerous space junk is pivotal in ensuring the safety of future space missions.

The Day America Sent Two Secrets to the Sky

The Day America Sent Two Secrets to the Sky

Sixty-five years ago, America launched two very different space missions within hours of each other - one broadcast live to a fascinated nation, the other quietly reaching orbit from a fog-shrouded California launchpad while no one was watching

X Report 24 Sep 2025

X Report 24 Sep 2025

SpaceX prepares for the launch of significant NASA and NOAA missions, while Starship's 11th test flight edges closer.

X Report 11 Dec 2024

X Report 11 Dec 2024

SpaceX advances with new Starship engine tests and celebrates a festive launch at Vandenberg. Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination brings excitement and scrutiny.

Space Brief 31 Jul 2025

Space Brief 31 Jul 2025

Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.

Space Brief 1 Nov 2025

Space Brief 1 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.