DISCOVERER 23 DEB (00106)

COSPAR: 1961-011C | Alt Name: Star 12

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 8, 1961

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

75-3-5

Launch Vehicle

Thor Agena B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

00106

International Designator

1961-011C

Decay Date

9/10/1961

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DISCOVERER 23 DEB

Alternative Name

Star 12

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD/CIA

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

0.3

Diameter

0.3

Span

0.3

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

Cyl + Cone

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Star 12

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

THKE

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Star 12

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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