Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.
SCOUT A-1 DEB (18496)
COSPAR: 1973-081D | Alt Name: NNS O-20 despin weight
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 30, 1973
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC5
Launch Vehicle
Scout A-1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18496
International Designator
1973-081D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:44:39 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
89.91°
Right Ascension
112.87°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
148.25°
Period
104.25 min
Mean Motion
13.81 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SCOUT A-1 DEB
Alternative Name
NNS O-20 despin weight
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NAVAIR
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 18496U 73081D 26184.82268119 .00000220 00000-0 18324-3 0 9990
2 18496 89.9140 112.8716 0135648 148.2510 268.7496 13.81244131929634
Source: Celestrak
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
0.05
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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