Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
COSMOS 399 DEB (05048)
COSPAR: 1971-017D | Alt Name: KDU
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 3, 1971
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05048
International Designator
1971-017D
Decay Date
3/31/1971
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 399 DEB
Alternative Name
KDU
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GUKOSR
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
1
Diameter
0.4
Span
1
Dry Mass
140
Launch Mass
430
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KDU
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit KDU
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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