Space Brief 26 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers a new Space Force contract for advanced tracking systems, innovative debris removal strategies, pivotal new satellite launches, and significant updates in air quality tracking from orbit.
EXPLORER 49 DEB (06726)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: RAE VCPS
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 10, 1973
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Unknown
Launch Vehicle
Unknown
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06726
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
Unknown
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EXPLORER 49 DEB
Alternative Name
RAE VCPS
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
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
0.2
Diameter
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
40
Launch Mass
52
Shape
Truss
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Velocity Control Prop. Sys.
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
GSFC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
RAE VCS
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.
Crew-11 Preps for First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, Lufthansa Orders Starlink for 850 Jets | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 prepares for historic first ISS medical evacuation via Crew Dragon. Lufthansa Group to equip all 850 aircraft with Starlink. Starship infrastructure advances at Starbase and Cape Canaveral.
€140M ESA Launcher Funding at Risk of Lapse | KeepTrack Space Brief
Nearly €140 million in ESA launcher development funds faces forfeiture with no replacement mechanism. Europe's independent launch capacity under pressure as Arianespace struggles.
SpaceX Resumes Starlink Deployments After Satellite Issues | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in first deployment since recent satellite issues. Falcon 9 also delivers Italy's COSMO-SkyMed CSG-FM3 from Vandenberg. Starship plans solidified for 2026.
Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet
Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.
X Report 29 Jan 2025
Key developments include political attention on SpaceX's ISS crew return and competition forecasts between SpaceX and ULA for national security missions.
AI Outperforms Human Planners in Air Force Battle Management Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
AI tools outperform human planners in Air Force battle management experiment. DARPA pursues quantum computing interoperability. Canada's Atlantic Spaceport Complex gets environmental approval.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Grounded After Rare Launch Failure
The FAA grounds SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket after a launch mishap, potentially impacting NASA's crewed missions and disrupting SpaceX's ambitious launch schedule.