Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
IRAS DEB (13783)
COSPAR: 1983-004C | Alt Name: IRAS dewar cover
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 26, 1983
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3910
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
13783
International Designator
1983-004C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:57:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.98°
Right Ascension
9.54°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
257.06°
Period
102.48 min
Mean Motion
14.05 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRAS DEB
Alternative Name
IRAS dewar cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 13783U 83004C 26185.24847866 .00000258 00000-0 18725-3 0 9995
2 13783 98.9808 9.5412 0015303 257.0641 276.3659 14.05185694222348
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
0.2
Diameter
0.6
Span
0.2
Dry Mass
44
Launch Mass
50
Shape
Disk
Radar Cross Section
0.649
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Infrared Cover (IRC)
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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