SOLWIND DEB (16279)

COSPAR: 1979-017BJ | Alt Name: P78-1 debris

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 24, 1979

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC3W

Launch Vehicle

Atlas F/OIS

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

16279

International Designator

1979-017BJ

Decay Date

4/24/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SOLWIND DEB

Alternative Name

P78-1 debris

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSD

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0256

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.

Space Brief 14 Jan 2025

Today's brief focuses on Blue Origin's scrubbed New Glenn launch, SpaceX's reusability milestone, and a warning from the US Air Force about China's advancements in space capabilities. We're also highlighting a key satellite in orbit.

Starcloud Files 88,000-Satellite Constellation Plan | KeepTrack Space Brief

Starcloud files FCC plans for 88,000-satellite orbital data center constellation, matching scale of Starlink and Amazon Kuiper expansions. Massive LEO conjunction risk implications.

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.

X Report 1 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites, marking another milestone for its broadband internet service. Meanwhile, the latest GPS III satellite was also launched for the U.S. military, showcasing SpaceX's multifaceted capabilities.

Space Brief 14 Nov 2024

Today's brief covers potential shifts in Space Force's strategy, new milestones in military satellite programs, and advancements in ground systems for missile defense. We'll also highlight Rocket Lab's latest contract win and critical design reviews in drone technology.

First Nuclear-Powered Commercial Satellite Flies on Transporter-17 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Transporter-17 rideshare carried 81 payloads including history's first nuclear-powered commercial satellite on July 7.

SpinLaunch's Kinetic Launch System

How a California startup's massive centrifuge could transform space access by eliminating rocket fuel, reducing costs by 70%, and enabling daily satellite launches - if it can overcome the physics of scaling from suborbital tests to orbital reality

Space Brief 7 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include new ESA Euclid data, upcoming Blue Origin flight, and multiple Starlink launches, delivering fresh satellite tracking opportunities.