Space Brief 16 May 2025
Today's brief covers challenges in Space Force procurement, promising developments in tracking technologies, and significant budget cuts affecting military aerospace projects.
DELTA 1 DEB (09976)
COSPAR: 1973-086GF | Alt Name: deb Delta 98
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 6, 1973
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 0300
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09976
International Designator
1973-086GF
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:49:19 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
102.36°
Right Ascension
222.32°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
173.91°
Period
116.55 min
Mean Motion
12.35 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 98
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 09976U 73086GF 26199.90925066 -.00000002 00000+0 34796-3 0 9993
2 09976 102.3601 222.3233 0044290 173.9059 306.7468 12.35473474300160
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
0.0333
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Firefly Alpha Returns to Flight After Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Firefly Aerospace launches return-to-flight Firefly Alpha on March 10 after Flight 6 anomaly. SpaceX also launches EchoStar 25 GEO satellite and multiple Starlink batches this week.
Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
X Report 6 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th Falcon rocket landing. Meanwhile, the Starship program reflects on its journey through ten flights, and competition with Amazon's Project Kuiper heats up as JetBlue opts for their in-flight Wi-Fi service.
X Report 13 Dec 2025
SpaceX continues making strides in satellite deployments and Starship preparations while managing challenges in space traffic.
FCC Approves Reflect Orbital Sunlight Satellite | KeepTrack Space Brief
FCC clears Reflect Orbital's first satellite to bounce sunlight into nighttime zones, despite pushback from astronomers concerned about orbital streaking and wildlife impacts.
Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX airs Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions. Falcon 9 completes static fire test for Crew-12 launch on Feb 11. Falcon 9 resumed flights after engine investigation.
Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.