Space Brief 7 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include significant legal disputes in military satellite contracts, strategic investments in the defense space sector, and updates on major military budget developments impacting space capabilities.
SOLWIND DEB (16346)
COSPAR: 1979-017DC | 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
16346
International Designator
1979-017DC
Decay Date
5/6/1988
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
0.1557
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.
Firefly Alpha Returns to Flight After Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Firefly Aerospace launches return-to-flight Firefly Alpha on March 10 after Flight 6 anomaly. SpaceX also launches EchoStar 25 GEO satellite and multiple Starlink batches this week.
Vulcan Grounding Could Last Months, Space Force Weighs Alternatives | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan Centaur faces potential months-long stand-down. Space Force actively exploring payload reassignment and satellite operational life extensions to cover critical national security missions.
The Day a Giant Space Balloon United the Cold War
When a 135-foot inflatable mirror bounced a radio signal from England to Russia, it became the first joint US-Soviet space venture - and changed how we think about satellite communication.
Starship Flight 12 Debuts Ship V3 as SDA Reorganizes York Space | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX's Starship Flight 12 debuts Ship 39 and Booster 19 on May 19, while York Space faces investor confusion as Space Force reorganizes the Space Development Agency.
Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.
Booster 20 Fires All 33 Engines in Record Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX completed a full 33-engine static fire on Booster 20, the longest duration test to date. The milestone clears a major hurdle before the next Starship flight attempt.
Transporter-16 Lofts 119 Payloads to SSO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches 119 payloads on Transporter-16, the 21st smallsat rideshare mission, from Vandenberg SFB at 1102 UTC.