The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
COSMOS 970 DEB (65010)
COSPAR: 1977-121DX | 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
65010
International Designator
1977-121DX
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:58:25 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
65.82°
Right Ascension
264.32°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
260.23°
Period
105.67 min
Mean Motion
13.63 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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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 65010U 77121DX 26199.91557498 -.00000007 00000+0 85773-4 0 9996
2 65010 65.8244 264.3225 0146286 260.2310 278.1390 13.62716019100083
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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