Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
DELTA 1 DEB (09788)
COSPAR: 1972-058HW | Alt Name: deb Delta 89
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 23, 1972
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 0900
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09788
International Designator
1972-058HW
Decay Date
4/13/1981
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 89
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
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0021
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 Brief 9 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers significant military space developments, including DIU tech consolidation discussions, NDAA budget expansions, and new military commands.
Apogee and Perigee
Understanding the high and low points of every orbit - from the International Space Station's careful dance with Earth's atmosphere to the extreme ellipses that take satellites to the edge of space and back.
Space Brief 5 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into key military developments in space, including the Space Force's pioneering officer training and innovative small satellite communication strategies.
The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever
Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe
Space Brief 22 Jun 2025
Today's briefing covers a last-minute abort of a SpaceX Starlink launch, NASA's preparation for hypersonic tests, Airbus's progress in its space business, and more exciting developments in satellite tracking and reusable spaceflight.
X Report 8 Jan 2025
SpaceX sets sights on new frontiers with the imminent Starlink launch and upcoming Blue Ghost moon lander mission.
Space Brief 11 Nov 2024
SpaceX gears up for a Starlink launch from Florida amid ongoing space policy discussions. A closer look at the OneWeb satellite series in our Satellite Spotlight.