COSMOS 612 DEB (06968)

COSPAR: 1973-095C | Alt Name: KDU

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

November 28, 1973

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/4

Launch Vehicle

Voskhod 11A57

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06968

International Designator

1973-095C

Decay Date

12/16/1973

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 612 DEB

Alternative Name

KDU

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

Diameter

0.4

Span

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.

Space Brief 7 Jul 2025

Today's key topics include the halting of the U.S. Air Force's rocket landing pad plans, the Space Force's shift to a flexible satellite strategy, delays in Australia's Eris 1 rocket launch, and the controversial cut of satellite sea-ice data to climate scientists.

Space Brief 31 Aug 2025

SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.

Space Brief 30 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include Europe's record space budget for independence, Transporter-15's successful launch of 140 payloads, and the damage to the Baikonur pad affecting upcoming ISS missions.

X Report 7 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM and prepares for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS amid political tensions involving Elon Musk and President Trump.

X Report 17 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Sentinel-6B satellite, marking a significant milestone as its 500th mission with a reused rocket, furthering global sea level monitoring efforts.

New Glenn Upper Stage Fails, BlueBird 7 Lost, Space Brief 20 Apr 2026

New Glenn's upper stage malfunctioned April 19, stranding AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7; the satellite is lost. Vulcan may fly without solid boosters.

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.

Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.