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 470 DEB (05740)
COSPAR: 1971-118C | Alt Name: KB electropitaniya
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 27, 1971
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz 11A511M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05740
International Designator
1971-118C
Decay Date
1/6/1972
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 470 DEB
Alternative Name
KB electropitaniya
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
1.8
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
630
Launch Mass
630
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KBE
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit KBE
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.
SpaceX Hits 600 Rocket Landings, Wins $175M Mars Deal | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's 600th Falcon 9 booster landing coincides with a $175M NASA Mars contract win and the final GPS III satellite launch this week.
Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.
Gunter's Space Page
Why this unassuming website has become the backbone of space research for enthusiasts and professionals alike
Space Brief 18 Sep 2025
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
Blue Origin Announces 5,400-Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink | KeepTrack X Report
Blue Origin reveals plans for 5,400+ satellite constellation targeting enterprise and government with 6 Tbps capacity. SpaceX launches first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 from Vandenberg.
Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Milestone | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 splashdown marks first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts completed historic mission, validating systems for Artemis 3 landing attempt.
China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear
In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.