TIROS N DEB (18532)

COSPAR: 1978-096D | Alt Name: deb Tiros N

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 13, 1978

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC3W

Launch Vehicle

Atlas F

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18532

International Designator

1978-096D

Decay Date

11/28/1988

Basic Satellite Info

Name

TIROS N DEB

Alternative Name

deb Tiros N

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.1071

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 Kessler Syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome threatens humanity's future in space as cascading satellite collisions create exponential debris growth. With 36,000+ tracked objects and recent incidents accelerating risks, we face a critical juncture: implement solutions now or potentially lose access to low Earth orbit forever.

Space Brief 9 Jan 2025

Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.

108 Minutes That Changed Everything - and the 20-Year Echo That Followed

On April 12, 1961, a 27-year-old Soviet pilot rode a modified ICBM into orbit and came back alive after 108 minutes. Exactly twenty years later, two Americans climbed aboard an untested spacecraft covered in 31,000 ceramic tiles and bet their lives that the math was right.

Space Brief 11 Aug 2025

Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.

Space Brief 10 Sep 2024

Today’s Space Brief covers a rescued lunar orbiter, a thorough pre-launch check for a Jupiter-bound mission, and leadership changes in a satellite communication company. We also spotlight a recently launched CubeSat and an innovative act of deorbiting.

SpaceX Eyes Confidential IPO at $1.75T Valuation, Launches 54 Starlinks in One Day | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX reportedly eyes a confidential March IPO filing that could value the company at $1.75 trillion. Dual Falcon 9 launches deploy 54 Starlink satellites, pushing total on-orbit past 9,900.

Vulcan Booster Anomaly Under Scrutiny After USSF-87 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Vulcan faces scrutiny after solid booster anomaly on USSF-87 mission. ThinKom wins portable satellite ground station contract. Space Force starts Project Hecate for GPS past 2040.

Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX ignited all 6 Starship engines for a full minute at Starbase, while a Falcon 9 added 24 more Starlinks from Vandenberg on July 1.