SOLWIND DEB (18873)

COSPAR: 1979-017LU | Alt Name: deb P78-1
DECAYED

Image
SOLWIND DEB Satellite 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

18873

International Designator

1979-017LU

Decay Date

4/26/1989

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

0

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.11

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.

Space Brief 10 Jun 2025

Space Brief 10 Jun 2025

Today's brief covers increased Space Force funding, a renewed focus on nuclear power in space, a proposed US missile defense system, new defense budget revelations, and NATO's call for increased air defenses.

Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

The evolution from simply tracking objects in orbit to understanding the full strategic picture of who is doing what in space, and why

X Report 15 Feb 2025

X Report 15 Feb 2025

SpaceX sets a reuse record with Falcon 9, advances Starship program, while Starlink influences satellite market dynamics.

Artemis 3 Schedule Slips With No Mission Plan From NASA | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 3 Schedule Slips With No Mission Plan From NASA | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA's Artemis 3 lunar landing mission schedule continues slipping over 2 months after revised plans announced, with no crew or surface activity details released publicly yet.

The Day Two Satellites Said Hello at 26,000 Miles Per Hour

The Day Two Satellites Said Hello at 26,000 Miles Per Hour

Seventeen years ago today, an operational American communications satellite and a dead Russian military relay crossed paths over Siberia. What happened next created more than 2,000 pieces of trackable debris - and fundamentally changed how the world thinks about space traffic.

ESA-China SMILE Mission Reaches Orbit After 10-Year Push | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA-China SMILE Mission Reaches Orbit After 10-Year Push | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA-China SMILE spacecraft successfully launched from Kourou to image Earth's magnetosphere. First continuous global views of solar wind interaction now in orbit.

Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards first-of-its-kind $52M contract to Starfish Space for deorbiting defunct satellites. AST SpaceMobile selected for Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program. $26B Space Force budget confirmed.

Space Brief 16 Jun 2025

Space Brief 16 Jun 2025

Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.