Space Brief 2 May 2025
Today's space highlights include significant military contracts for aerospace innovations, advancements in small-satellite procurement, and discussions on the role of nuclear energy in space exploration.
NOAA 10 DEB (16983)
COSPAR: 1986-073C | Alt Name: NOAA 10 solar array band
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 17, 1986
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16983
International Designator
1986-073C
Decay Date
8/4/1991
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NOAA 10 DEB
Alternative Name
NOAA 10 solar array band
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
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.16
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.
Space Brief 28 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid Starlink launches, insights into China's Mars sample return mission, and ULA's future launch plans. Also, a new Space Force general takes the reins of the U.S. missile defense program.
X Report 2 Dec 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its 60th mission of the year, deploying 27 Starlink satellites from California. The company continues to hit milestones, confirming its dominance in spaceflight as Elon Musk acknowledges the achievement. Spire also expands its partnership with Deloitte to enhance cybersecurity in orbit.
X Report 25 Oct 2025
SpaceX prepares for a record-setting launch of Starlink satellites, while Iridium faces challenges against SpaceX's expanding services.
JSC Vimpel
An analysis of Russia's independent space tracking system and how it compares to the established U.S. Space Surveillance Network
SpaceMobile-006 (BlueBird 6)
The largest commercial antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit belongs to a company most people have never heard of. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 is either the future of cellular connectivity or the most ambitious overreach in telecom history - and it just finished unfolding.
Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex
India's second spaceport solves a geometry problem. How ISRO is building a dedicated small satellite facility that eliminates the costly dogleg maneuvers plaguing polar launches from Sriharikota.
SpaceX Absorbs xAI in History's Largest Private Merger | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX officially merged with Elon Musk's xAI under the SpaceXAI brand, while a Falcon 9 lofted 81 rideshare payloads from Vandenberg on July 7.