THOR ABLESTAR DEB (18908)

COSPAR: 1961-015LY | Alt Name: deb Ablestar 008
DECAYED

Image
THOR ABLESTAR DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 29, 1961

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Thor Ablestar

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18908

International Designator

1961-015LY

Decay Date

2/15/2026

Basic Satellite Info

Name

THOR ABLESTAR DEB

Alternative Name

deb Ablestar 008

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

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

0.0116

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.

X Report 31 May 2025

X Report 31 May 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the latest GPS satellite for the U.S. military, while the FAA has initiated a mishap investigation on a recent Starship test flight. CEO Elon Musk provided updates on the future of the Starship program, indicating ambitious plans ahead.

Falcon 9 Booster Flies 35th Mission, Deploys 29 Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 Booster Flies 35th Mission, Deploys 29 Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX flew a Falcon 9 booster for a record 35th time on July 10, deploying 29 Starlink satellites as direct-to-cell tech expands to pet collars.

Space Brief 10 Nov 2025

Space Brief 10 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers China's record-breaking launch year, SpaceX's continued Starlink deployments, Blue Origin's launch challenges, and innovations in satellite maneuverability.

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory

Designed for a two-year mission to catch gamma-ray bursts in the act, Swift is now 21 years old, slowly falling out of the sky, and the subject of an unprecedented private rescue mission. Nobody planned for it to be this hard to let go.

The Telescope That Needed Glasses

The Telescope That Needed Glasses

On April 25, 1990, the Space Shuttle Discovery's robotic arm lifted a 11,110-kilogram barrel of mirrors and instruments out of the payload bay and released it into orbit. Six weeks later, the first images came back badly out of focus. The Hubble Space Telescope had been ground to the wrong prescription, and America had just spent $2.5 billion on what the press was calling a 'technoturkey.'

Space Brief 10 Dec 2025

Space Brief 10 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers China's intense launch schedule, a new Arctic military constellation, Muon Space's defense innovations, and SpaceX's classified NROL-77 mission.

SpaceX Absorbs xAI in History's Largest Private Merger | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Absorbs xAI in History's Largest Private Merger | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX officially merged with Elon Musk's xAI under the SpaceXAI brand, while a Falcon 9 lofted 81 rideshare payloads from Vandenberg on July 7.

Space Brief 7 Feb 2025

Space Brief 7 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include significant legal disputes in military satellite contracts, strategic investments in the defense space sector, and updates on major military budget developments impacting space capabilities.