SOLWIND DEB (17772)

COSPAR: 1979-017JV | 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

17772

International Designator

1979-017JV

Decay Date

3/21/1989

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0097

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 Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World

Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory

Space Brief 11 Sep 2024

A recap of notable space events including the Soyuz MS-26 launch to the ISS, Polaris Dawn's altitude achievement, and satellite tracking updates.

Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet

Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.

Shenzhou-23 Docks at Tiangong; Crew Member Targets 1-Year Stay | KeepTrack Space Brief

Shenzhou-23 docked with Tiangong May 24 with 3 astronauts, including Hong Kong's first crew member. One will stay ~1 year in orbit.

SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, NASA SLS Leak Tests Struggle | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX reaches 600th Falcon 9 launch with Starlink 17-13 from Vandenberg. NASA SLS hydrogen leak repairs only partially successful. New book explores forces shaping space.

Virgin Galactic's Upcoming "Galactic 06" Spaceflight

On January 26, 2024, Virgin Galactic's "Galactic 06" mission will launch, marking its 11th spaceflight.

Space Brief 1 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.

Starship Barge Spotted for Component Transport to Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report

Starship transport barge identified for shipping components from Starbase to Kennedy Space Center. Starlink's 2025 report shows 4.6M new customers and expansion to 35 new regions.