Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
ATLAS CENTAUR DEB (10724)
COSPAR: 1978-016B | Alt Name: deb Centaur AC-44
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 9, 1978
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
10724
International Designator
1978-016B
Decay Date
8/31/1982
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Centaur AC-44
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
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
1.9105
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.
Congress Passes FY2026 Bill Reinstating NASA Funding, Slingshot Wins $27M AI Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Congress passes FY2026 spending bill reinstating NASA funding. Slingshot Aerospace wins $27M Space Force contract for AI satellite training. Portal Space selects Atomic-6 debris shield for 2026 mission.
Space Brief 2 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers India's military communications satellite launch, SpaceX's Starlink mission milestone, Latvia's agreement to the Artemis Accords, and more significant updates in space technology and satellite launches.
Space Brief 3 Apr 2025
Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.
Space Brief 20 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.
Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
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
X Report 20 Nov 2024
SpaceX conducts another Starship test flight, with high-profile audience; SEOPS secures Falcon 9 for rideshare mission; Ontario partners with Starlink for rural connectivity.