Space Brief 15 Jan 2025
Focus on Varda's second mission launch, new U.S. Defense Department tool for satellite anomaly investigation, and a detailed Satellite Spotlight on CELESTIS 21/Varisat 1C.
DELTA 1 DEB (18854)
COSPAR: 1988-008D | Alt Name: Delta 181 SCRS
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 8, 1988
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3910
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18854
International Designator
1988-008D
Decay Date
2/13/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
Delta 181 SCRS
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SDIO
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
0.5
Diameter
0.5
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
20
Launch Mass
20
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.26
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Sensor Calib. Ref. Sat.
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
APL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SDIO Delta 181
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 10 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites, bolstering its broadband network and expanding global internet coverage.
X Report 13 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites as Starship prepares for full stack testing, amidst Musk's new governmental role.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2025
Today's space brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's new satellite naming scheme, the Air Force Secretary's warnings on China's space advances, BAE Systems' DARPA award, strategies for future space defense, the importance of GEO satellite refueling, and Blue Origin's plans for Space Force certification.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.
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.
SpaceX Buys Cursor AI for $60B After IPO, X Report 17 Jun 2026
SpaceX acquires Cursor AI maker Anysphere for $60B in its first post-IPO deal, as Falcon 9 lofts 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile.
Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.