X Report 21 Aug 2025
Today's brief highlights the upcoming X-37B military spaceplane launch, ongoing partnerships to protect radio astronomy, and West Virginia's minimal allocation of broadband subsidies to satellite providers like SpaceX.
SOLWIND DEB (17166)
COSPAR: 1979-017JN | Alt Name: deb P78-1
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
17166
International Designator
1979-017JN
Decay Date
10/18/1987
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
0.2
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 6 May 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 250th mission from SLC-40, while Starlink experiences a surge during a crisis in Spain and Portugal. Additionally, SpaceX celebrates the official designation of Starbase City, aiming to boost launch capabilities.
Starlink Mobile US Plan, Ship 40 Static Fire, X Report 27 Jun 2026
Starlink mobile service is planned for the US as SpaceX fires Ship 40's single Raptor in a prelaunch test, with 10,689 Starlink satellites working.
Artemis II Rolls Out to Pad 39B, China Hit by Dual Launch Failures | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis II SLS/Orion rolls to Launch Complex 39B for first crewed lunar mission since 1972. China suffers dual launch failures on the same day. SpainSat NG 2 declared total loss from debris strike.
X Report 23 Jun 2025
SpaceX gears up for the Transporter 14 rideshare mission, while recent Starship setbacks have not deterred plans for Falcon 9 launches.
Space Brief 31 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the latest developments in China's megaconstellation funding, Russia's nuclear posturing in Europe, and other significant military activities.
Space Brief 20 Feb 2025
Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.
X Report 19 Dec 2025
A partial breakup incident involving a Starlink satellite raised concerns, while SpaceX continued its ambitious projects and launches.