Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
COSMOS 249 DEB (03908)
COSPAR: 1968-091BL | Alt Name: deb Kosmos-249 [*]
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 20, 1968
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC90/20
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-2A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
03908
International Designator
1968-091BL
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:05:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
63.34°
Right Ascension
286.48°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
33.28°
Period
107.74 min
Mean Motion
13.37 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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
Latest TLEs
1 03908U 68091BL 26185.25377596 .00000275 00000-0 25082-3 0 9994
2 03908 63.3405 286.4804 0598801 33.2795 352.5907 13.36547341783775
Source: Celestrak
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
0.0096
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 29 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.
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.
Starlink Airs First Super Bowl Ad, Artemis II Nears Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX debuts Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions of viewers. Artemis II reaches Kennedy launch pad for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo era.
X Report 17 Nov 2024
SpaceX readies for Starship Flight 6, stacking the megarocket for its upcoming launch on Nov. 19. Get details on the timing and mission objectives.
Space Beyond Books SpaceX Rideshare for Memorial Cubesat Mission | KeepTrack X Report
Space Beyond secures SpaceX rideshare launch slot for October 2027 memorial cubesat mission. Starlink constellation at 11,009 total satellites launched with 9,551 currently on orbit.
Firefly Alpha Returns to Flight After Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Firefly Aerospace launches return-to-flight Firefly Alpha on March 10 after Flight 6 anomaly. SpaceX also launches EchoStar 25 GEO satellite and multiple Starlink batches this week.
X Report 9 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with successful satellite launches and competitive maneuvering in the direct-to-device market, as AST SpaceMobile aligns with Verizon for space-based cellular services.