Space Brief 2 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers key topics such as SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, the European Space Agency's new initiatives, and Space Force's integration of AI into its operations.
DELTA 1 DEB [YO] (00166)
COSPAR: 1961-017C | Alt Name: Tiros 3 despin weight
DECAYED
Image
![DELTA 1 DEB [YO] Satellite Image](/images/sat/deb3.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 12, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00166
International Designator
1961-017C
Decay Date
3/2/1992
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB [YO]
Alternative Name
Tiros 3 despin weight
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
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
3.5
Diameter
0
Span
3.5
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Cable + Box
Radar Cross Section
0.15
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Despin weight
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RCA
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.
X Report 16 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for another busy week with a Falcon 9 launch to the ISS while Vast Space expands its Haven-1 payload roster.
Space Brief 8 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the landing of the X-37B spaceplane after a 434-day mission, the postponement of SDA's satellite launch, and the fiery debris from SpaceX's Starship over The Bahamas.
X Report 1 Jan 2025
SpaceX wraps up a record-breaking year with an impressive launch count, while the Starship program looks to make significant advancements in 2025.
Space Brief 8 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the cancellation of Starship landing plans, Planet Labs' defense expansion, and cutting-edge radiation-hardened tech for space and defense.
NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA officially ended the MAVEN Mars orbiter mission after months of radio silence following an anomaly. Space Force assessing Eastern Range damage from separate incident affecting launch cadence.
X Report 27 Nov 2025
SpaceX's plans for the Transporter-15 mission are temporarily delayed as the Falcon 9 launch was scrubbed. The next launch attempt is now targeted for Friday, Nov. 28, with hopes of delivering 140 payloads into sun-synchronous orbit.
Space Brief 15 May 2025
Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.