Space Brief 12 Jul 2025
Today's focus spans from major military training initiatives in orbit to key updates on drone policies and crucial satellite launches.
THOR ABLESTAR DEB (00129)
COSPAR: 1961-015P | Alt Name: deb Ablestar 008
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00129
International Designator
1961-015P
Decay Date
8/31/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR ABLESTAR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ablestar 008
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
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
0.1076
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.
X Report 26 Nov 2024
SpaceX sets launch milestones with quick turnarounds and new Starlink deployments, while eyeing rapid Starship expansions next year.
X Report 29 Mar 2025
Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.
Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex
India's second spaceport solves a geometry problem. How ISRO is building a dedicated small satellite facility that eliminates the costly dogleg maneuvers plaguing polar launches from Sriharikota.
X Report 20 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with its Starship program while successfully launching another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit, enhancing global internet coverage.
Space Brief 9 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief explores new satellite launches, significant reentries, funding milestones, and critical policy updates.
Space Brief 24 Jun 2025
Today's top space events include a new military satellite launch by York Space, advancements in phased array antennas by Space Force, and the debut of Denmark's Arctic satellite. Also covered are developments in Starlink's services in Vietnam.
Space Brief 10 May 2025
Today's brief covers Rocket Lab's Neutron being selected for military tests, Space Force's strategic updates, Germany's SAR satellite plans, and a significant NASA nomination.