Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
DELTA 1 DEB (02977)
COSPAR: 1967-036D | Alt Name: ESSA 5 despin weight
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 20, 1967
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
02977
International Designator
1967-036D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:22:25 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
101.62°
Right Ascension
163.83°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
204.54°
Period
114.57 min
Mean Motion
12.57 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
ESSA 5 despin weight
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ESSA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 02977U 67036D 26200.39057409 -.00000026 00000+0 11130-3 0 9991
2 02977 101.6185 163.8321 0059276 204.5387 310.1238 12.56867405717435
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
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0712
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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