SOLWIND DEB (16560)

COSPAR: 1979-017GT | 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

16560

International Designator

1979-017GT

Decay Date

2/24/1987

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

0.2333

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.

Starlink Restrictions Disrupt Russian Battlefield Communications | KeepTrack Space Brief

Starlink restrictions reportedly hit Moscow's drone coordination and frontline comms. SpaceX and xAI enter Pentagon's $100M drone contest. Sentinel ICBM to clear key review this year.

Starlink V2 Flies on Starship in 2027, X Report 4 Mar 2026

Gwynne Shotwell confirms Starlink V2 launches on Starship in 2027. Ship 39 preps Starship Flight 12; Falcon 9 lofts its 600th Starlink of 2026.

Worker Dies at Starbase Ahead of Starship V3 Debut | KeepTrack X Report

A fatality at SpaceX's Starbase shakes the program as Starship V3, standing 124 m tall with Raptor 3 engines, nears its maiden flight.

X Report 2 Mar 2025

Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.

X Report 6 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for a new cargo-return mission with Atmos, deploys imaging satellites, and gears up for Axiom-4 private astronaut launch.

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.

The Day a Car Started Its Journey to the Stars

Seven years ago, SpaceX revolutionized spaceflight by launching the most powerful operational rocket in the world, carrying with it a cherry-red Tesla Roadster that captured global imagination

Space Brief 9 Nov 2025

Today's top stories include SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Blue Origin's FAA exemption request, and major acquisitions by Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace shaping the defense and space landscape.