Space Brief 30 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab joining the US Space Force's national security launch program, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, China's successful EVA, and intriguing science aboard SpaceX's Fram2 mission.
SL-8 DEB (18697)
COSPAR: 1987-098C | Alt Name: deb Kosmos- 1898
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 1, 1987
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18697
International Designator
1987-098C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:22:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
73.99°
Right Ascension
267.31°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
165.04°
Period
98.37 min
Mean Motion
14.64 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Kosmos- 1898
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
UNKS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 18697U 87098C 26184.93215543 .00002016 00000-0 39214-3 0 9997
2 18697 73.9949 267.3136 0004758 165.0363 313.1569 14.63807366 35561
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
0.006
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Strela-2M debris 1
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Launches NROL-105 Spy Satellite, GE Validates Hypersonic Ramjet Engine | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches NROL-105 spy satellite from Vandenberg in first national security mission of 2026. GE and Lockheed validate compact rotating detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles.
Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's SLS and Orion spacecraft rolled back to Launch Complex 39B, targeting April 1 for first crewed lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.
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.
Starlink Constellation Size Nears 10,000, X Report 16 Mar 2026
Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.
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 8 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.
B1067 Flies Record 36th Mission on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report
Booster B1067 sets a new Falcon 9 reuse record on its 36th flight, lifting Starlink 10-42 from Cape Canaveral at 5:25 a.m. EDT.