TRANSIT 5B-1 DEB (04587)

COSPAR: 1963-038J | Alt Name: deb Transit VBN-1

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 28, 1963

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

75-1-1

Launch Vehicle

Thor Ablestar

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

04587

International Designator

1963-038J

Decay Date

10/4/1981

Explore in the Catalog

Transit constellation United States satellites Debris

Basic Satellite Info

Name

TRANSIT 5B-1 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Transit VBN-1

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

NAVAIR

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0006

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

[was UNID031] RCS 0.0

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.

Falcon 9 Launches 25 Starlink Satellites After Weather Delays | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg after multiple weather delays. 20th Falcon 9 mission of 2026 features second-ever booster landing near The Bahamas.

2nd Starlink Debris Event in 3 Months Raises Alarm | KeepTrack X Report

A second Starlink satellite has generated on-orbit debris in just over 3 months, threatening SpaceX's 10,151-satellite working constellation.

Esrange Spaceport

Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.

The International Scientific Optical Network (ISON)

How a controversial telescope network has become a significant player in tracking the increasingly crowded orbital environment, raising important questions about transparency, dual-use technologies, and the future of space situational awareness.

X Report 26 Jul 2025

This week's SpaceX developments include notable upcoming missions, with a Starlink launch on the horizon and Crew Dragon's readiness for the next astronaut mission.

Space Brief 17 Aug 2025

Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.

ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.

Space Brief 2 Oct 2025

Highlighting ExLabs' Space Force contract, Starlink advances, and developments in orbital communication tech.