Space Brief 31 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.
SL-4 DEB (09519)
COSPAR: 1976-109D | Alt Name: Sensor cover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 1, 1976
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09519
International Designator
1976-109D
Decay Date
11/7/1976
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
Zenit-2M 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 Force Awards $437M for Military Satcom; New Glenn Clears Return | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Blue Origin clears New Glenn for flights after Flight 3 investigation.
New Glenn Explodes After USSF Awards Blue Origin Security Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
New Glenn rocket exploded hours after U.S. Space Force and NRO awarded Blue Origin a national security launch task order. Stand-down and mishap investigation expected.
X Report 18 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for a historic Falcon 9 landing attempt in The Bahamas, while also contributing to FAA air traffic control modernization.
Starship V3 Flight 12 Four Weeks Out, X Report 11 Mar 2026
Starship V3 timeline: Musk puts Flight 12 about 4 weeks out, early to mid April 2026. SpaceX also hit 30 missions of 2026 with the 15,000-lb EchoStar 25.
X Report 17 Dec 2025
SpaceX prepares for a busy launch schedule with key upgrades at Starbase and notable Starlink missions. Recent close approaches in orbit underscore the complexities of satellite operations.
Space Brief 1 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers reentries, the impact of NOAA dismissals on space weather tracking, a strategic academic partnership probing cosmic mysteries, and a newly unveiled space motto.
Space Brief 17 May 2025
Today's brief covers SES's satellite orchestration, SpaceX's defense role, cyber scorecards in DoD, and more.