COSMOS 491 DEB (06046)

COSPAR: 1972-038D | Alt Name: Blenda
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 491 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 25, 1972

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Voskhod 11A57

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06046

International Designator

1972-038D

Decay Date

6/9/1972

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 491 DEB

Alternative Name

Blenda

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

20

Launch Mass

20

Shape

Box

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

BZA

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

TSKBE3

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Zenit BZA

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.

Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX accelerates Block 3 Starship pad work at Starbase as Russia preps Soyuz-5 debut alongside Falcon 9 internet satellite launches.

SpaceX Preps Starlink 6-96 Launch, Starship TPS Testing Continues at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Preps Starlink 6-96 Launch, Starship TPS Testing Continues at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starlink 6-96 launch of 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral. Thermal Protection System evaluations underway at Starbase for next Starship prototypes. SpaceX IPO expected to reshape market.

SpaceX Launches 13th NRO Proliferated Architecture Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Launches 13th NRO Proliferated Architecture Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

Falcon 9 successfully deployed NROL-72 for National Reconnaissance Office's 13th proliferated architecture mission. Low-Earth orbit intelligence constellation expanding since 2021.

X Report 8 Mar 2025

X Report 8 Mar 2025

SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 8 amid debris fallout, achieves regulatory win for smartphone connectivity, and prepares for upcoming ISS missions.

Starship Flight 12 Summary: V3 Reaches Space, X Report 24 May 2026

Starship Flight 12 Summary: V3 Reaches Space, X Report 24 May 2026

Starship Flight 12 summary: V3 reached space May 22 and survived reentry despite one Raptor vacuum engine shutdown, with most test objectives complete.

Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.

STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report

STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report

A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.

X Report 8 Nov 2025

X Report 8 Nov 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 560th Falcon 9 launch, aiming to deploy 29 Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center, while the Bandwagon-4 mission continues to showcase successful rocket landings.