SOLWIND DEB (16311)

COSPAR: 1979-017CA | Alt Name: P78-1 debris
DECAYED

Image
SOLWIND DEB Satellite 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

16311

International Designator

1979-017CA

Decay Date

11/7/2000

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

0

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.1294

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.

A Celebration of Earth Day | Photos of Home

A Celebration of Earth Day | Photos of Home

For 56 years, April 22 has been the day the world stops to look at itself. Before that was possible, someone had to invent the view. This is the story of how we first saw Earth from the outside, from a crashed V-2 camera in the New Mexico desert to the Blue Marble that still hangs on classroom walls.

X Report 11 Feb 2025

X Report 11 Feb 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 23 Starlink satellites, NASA selects SpaceX for astrophysics mission, and Starship Flight 8 advances with Booster 15 static fire.

X Report 8 Feb 2025

X Report 8 Feb 2025

SpaceX makes strides on Starship launch pad, upcoming Starlink infusions from California and Florida, and regulatory challenges loom with FCC and C-band spectrum.

X Report 12 Dec 2024

X Report 12 Dec 2024

SpaceX progresses with Starship developments and sets sights on NASA's upcoming 3D sky-mapping satellite launch.

Space Brief 14 Jan 2025

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.

Esrange Spaceport

Esrange Spaceport

Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.

X Report 6 Aug 2025

X Report 6 Aug 2025

SpaceX has adapted Pad 1 for Ship Static Fire tests while addressing the recent downtime at Massey’s, showcasing its commitment to maintaining launch schedules despite setbacks.

Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)

Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)

Understanding the unique orbital sweet spot that keeps satellites perfectly positioned above Earth