SOLWIND DEB (17165)

COSPAR: 1979-017JM | Alt Name: deb P78-1
DECAYED

Image
SOLWIND DEB Satellite 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

17165

International Designator

1979-017JM

Decay Date

1/27/1989

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SOLWIND DEB

Alternative Name

deb P78-1

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

0.07

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.

The Telescope That Needed Glasses

The Telescope That Needed Glasses

On April 25, 1990, the Space Shuttle Discovery's robotic arm lifted a 11,110-kilogram barrel of mirrors and instruments out of the payload bay and released it into orbit. Six weeks later, the first images came back badly out of focus. The Hubble Space Telescope had been ground to the wrong prescription, and America had just spent $2.5 billion on what the press was calling a 'technoturkey.'

Apogee and Perigee

Apogee and Perigee

Understanding the high and low points of every orbit - from the International Space Station's careful dance with Earth's atmosphere to the extreme ellipses that take satellites to the edge of space and back.

Space Brief 31 Jul 2025

Space Brief 31 Jul 2025

Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.

Space Brief 18 May 2025

Space Brief 18 May 2025

Today's briefing highlights recent launches and failures, including an Indian radar satellite setback, successful Rocket Lab missions, and China's debut of upgraded rocket technology.

X Report 19 Aug 2025

X Report 19 Aug 2025

SpaceX receives FAA clearance for Starship Flight 10 and celebrates its 100th Falcon 9 launch of the year, successfully deploying 24 Starlink satellites.

China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear

China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear

In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.

The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey

The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey

Fifty-nine years ago, a revolutionary new rocket thundered skyward from Cape Kennedy, testing the spacecraft that would eventually carry astronauts to the lunar surface

Space Brief 27 Feb 2025

Space Brief 27 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's progress on the Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, BlackSky's new government contract, and AEI's policy recommendations for Space Force restructuring.