Space Brief 5 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers developments in US military space initiatives, advancements in missile technology, and notable military contractor activities.
ATLAS AGENA B DEB (00631)
COSPAR: 1963-030E | Alt Name: Midas solar array cover
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 19, 1963
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
LC1-2
Launch Vehicle
Atlas Agena B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00631
International Designator
1963-030E
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:09:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
88.43°
Right Ascension
215.56°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
56.71°
Period
168.25 min
Mean Motion
8.56 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS AGENA B DEB
Alternative Name
Midas solar array cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 00631U 63030E 26200.04831860 .00000003 00000+0 00000+0 0 9993
2 00631 88.4344 215.5588 0156936 56.7059 304.8714 08.55875540968365
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
1.5
Diameter
0.3
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
10
Launch Mass
10
Shape
Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.4979
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Strongback
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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