The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
COSMOS 438 DEB (05484)
COSPAR: 1971-077F | Alt Name: KDU
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 14, 1971
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05484
International Designator
1971-077F
Decay Date
9/30/1971
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 438 DEB
Alternative Name
KDU
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
TSKBE3
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
425
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
China's Shenlong Deploys Six Objects
Details on China's current Shenlong spaceplane mission and its recent deployment of six objects.
Pentagon Pauses LEO Constellation as Acquisition Reviews Continue | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon puts LEO constellation layers on hold during acquisition review. SpaceX and xAI join $100M autonomous drone contest. China's Zenk Space completes first stage static fire.
X Report 20 May 2025
SpaceX gears up for new Starlink shell deployment and secures updated licensing for Starship, amidst ongoing preparations for Falcon 9 launches.
Sandhoo Takes Dual SDA Director, Missile Warning Role | KeepTrack Space Brief
Brig. Gen. Gursharan Sandhoo double-hatted as SDA director and Space Force missile warning PAE head as Pentagon consolidates LEO satellite programs under new acquisition structure.
York Space Goes Public at $629M, Cold War JUMPSEAT Spy Satellites Declassified | KeepTrack Space Brief
York Space raises $629M in IPO to expand satellite manufacturing. NRO declassifies Cold War-era JUMPSEAT spy satellites. Lockheed to boost THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 per year.
X Report 11 Jan 2025
Starship Flight 7 scheduled for Jan 13, SpaceX sets Falcon 9 record, and NRO expands spy satellite constellation.
X Report 17 Sep 2025
Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.