The Farming Satellite Iran Can't Launch Itself
Iran calls Kowsar 1.5 a private-sector farming satellite. Its 3.45-meter camera, its sun-synchronous orbit, and the Russian rocket that carried it point somewhere else entirely.
COSMOS 970 DEB (64966)
COSPAR: 1977-121CB | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 21, 1977
Launch Site
TTMTR
Launch Pad
LC90
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
64966
International Designator
1977-121CB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:50:24 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
65.81°
Right Ascension
51.45°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
174.17°
Period
104.47 min
Mean Motion
13.78 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 970 DEB
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
PKO
Country
USSR/Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 64966U 77121CB 26200.86834174 .00000298 00000+0 35977-3 0 9992
2 64966 65.8134 51.4537 0106362 174.1655 186.0677 13.78333607636069
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
0.0
Diameter
0.0
Span
0.0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
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
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