X Report 22 Nov 2024
SpaceX edges closer to increased Starship launch approvals, secures lunar rover delivery, eyes potential military collaboration, and continues rapid satellite deployment.
SOLWIND DEB (16663)
COSPAR: 1979-017JB | 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
16663
International Designator
1979-017JB
Decay Date
8/31/1988
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
0.1671
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.
X Report 19 Nov 2024
Starship Flight 6 approaches with a daring booster catch, while SpaceX ramps up satellite launches and navigates regulatory challenges.
Musk Denies Starlink Price Cuts Are Response to Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk denies Starlink price reductions are driven by Amazon Kuiper competition. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in 18th constellation mission of 2026. Five more coming this week.
SDA Awards $1.75B for Golden Dome Missile Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
SDA hands L3Harris and Sierra Space $1.75B to build missile warning satellites for Pentagon's Golden Dome shield, targeting 2028 demonstration under accelerated schedule.
Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.
Space Brief 10 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include strategic shifts in the defense sector, innovations in solar technology for space, and developments in satellite-related military projects.
Space Brief 2 Jan 2025
Today's recap covers SpaceX's role in record launch numbers, the FCC's spectrum allocation for launches, and the historical portrayal of the Ingenuity helicopter.
Falcon 9 Lofts 5-Ton Cygnus XL to ISS | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 delivered Northrop Grumman's second Cygnus XL — carrying over 5 tons of cargo — to the ISS on April 11, 2026.