Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
DELTA 1 DEB (10653)
COSPAR: 1976-077P | Alt Name: deb Delta 126
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 29, 1976
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2310
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
10653
International Designator
1976-077P
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:35:09 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
102.65°
Right Ascension
305.10°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
33.14°
Period
117.62 min
Mean Motion
12.24 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 126
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 10653U 76077P 26185.27441914 .00000083 00000-0 11510-2 0 9997
2 10653 102.6515 305.0990 0127602 33.1412 356.1951 12.24283219231229
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
0.1116
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.
X Report 26 Nov 2024
SpaceX sets launch milestones with quick turnarounds and new Starlink deployments, while eyeing rapid Starship expansions next year.
$4.16B Golden Dome Contract Awarded to SpaceX | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX wins a $4.16B Pentagon contract for missile-tracking satellites, while hitting its 50th Starlink launch of 2026 in a landmark May.
X Report 20 Jun 2025
SpaceX experiences significant setbacks with Starship after Ship 36 explodes during static fire preparations, while Eutelsat secures funding to bolster competition against Starlink.
Pentagon Pulls the Plug on GPS OCX | The $8 Billion Ground System That Never Worked
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Space Force officially cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System after sixteen years of development, cost overruns, and testing failures. The $8 billion program was supposed to unlock the military's encrypted GPS signal. Instead, the satellites are flying with capabilities the ground can't command.
X Report 20 Feb 2025
SpaceX and Rocket Lab make headlines with simultaneous launches, while Musk's Starliner comments stir controversy.
Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name