ESA-China SMILE Mission Reaches Orbit After 10-Year Push | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA-China SMILE spacecraft successfully launched from Kourou to image Earth's magnetosphere. First continuous global views of solar wind interaction now in orbit.
THOR ALTAIR DEB (02162)
COSPAR: 1966-026C | Alt Name: DAPP launch debris
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 1966
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
4300B6
Launch Vehicle
Thor Burner 1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
02162
International Designator
1966-026C
Decay Date
2/11/1967
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR ALTAIR DEB
Alternative Name
DAPP launch debris
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
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
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Awards $437M to Viasat, SES for Military Satcom | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Four new GEO satellites replace vulnerable single-satellite systems.
FAA Advances Approval for 44 Starship Launches From Pad 39A | KeepTrack X Report
FAA advances environmental review for up to 44 Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center pad 39A. SpaceX wraps January with dual-coast Starlink launches. Crew-12 timeline tied to Artemis 2 schedule.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief
White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.
Van Allen Probe A Reenters After 14 Years; NASA Designates Starliner Type A Mishap | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's 590 kg Van Allen Probe A reentered March 10 after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Meanwhile, Boeing Starliner classified as Type A mishap after leaving astronauts stranded on ISS.
Space Brief 31 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the latest developments in China's megaconstellation funding, Russia's nuclear posturing in Europe, and other significant military activities.
Space Brief 2 Jun 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX's Starlink launch delay, a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing for space, and Momentus's orbital tech demo, among other headlines.