Space Brief 30 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force's new satcom design contracts, advances in AI training tools, Pentagon drone policy shifts, and the first Eris launch's failure.
DELTA 1 DEB (12217)
COSPAR: 1978-026BJ | Alt Name: deb Delta 139
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 5, 1978
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2910
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12217
International Designator
1978-026BJ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:44:17 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
98.94°
Right Ascension
210.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.01°
Period
101.10 min
Mean Motion
14.24 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 139
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12217U 78026BJ 26184.82242628 .00000679 00000-0 31334-3 0 9990
2 12217 98.9404 210.3580 0021823 97.0120 80.8543 14.24286398342760
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
0.026
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
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