Space Brief 25 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers the largest-ever spectrum sharing demo planned by the Pentagon, innovative strategies for drone deployment in the Air Force, and significant military procurement developments.
SL-4 DEB (08858)
COSPAR: 1976-046C | Alt Name: Sensor cover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 21, 1976
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
08858
International Designator
1976-046C
Decay Date
5/21/1976
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 DEB
Alternative Name
Sensor cover
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
0
Diameter
0
Span
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
Fram sensor cover
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit deb
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 16 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.
LeoLabs Launches Delta Military SSA Platform | KeepTrack Space Brief
LeoLabs debuts Delta, a space monitoring tool designed for military operators to detect adversarial orbital activity beyond standard conjunction warnings.
B1067 Flies Record 36th Mission on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report
Booster B1067 sets a new Falcon 9 reuse record on its 36th flight, lifting Starlink 10-42 from Cape Canaveral at 5:25 a.m. EDT.
Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,191, X Report 14 Apr 2026
Starlink satellite count April 2026: 10,191 working of 10,209 in orbit. SpaceX flew its 1,000th Starlink of 2026 on April 14, adding 29 more sats.
X Report 21 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights the causes behind a recent Starship explosion, a significant delay in Axiom-4's launch, and the ongoing tension surrounding SpaceX's market dominance.
Space Brief 1 May 2025
Today's space brief covers NASA's shift to private companies for astronaut rescue, EU's potential collaboration with SES for satellite services, and notable military contract allocations. Plus, a satellite spotlight on LEMUR-2-KADI.
X Report 17 May 2025
SpaceX gains regulatory approval for a new Starship test flight, further expands its role in U.S. defense, and successfully launches 26 additional Starlink satellites. United Airlines also rolls out Starlink Wi-Fi on its flights.