Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
ATLAS 28E DEB (20565)
COSPAR: 1990-031F | Alt Name: PDD Test Mass
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 11, 1990
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E Altair
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20565
International Designator
1990-031F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:28:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
89.91°
Right Ascension
244.71°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
161.23°
Period
96.68 min
Mean Motion
14.90 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 28E DEB
Alternative Name
PDD Test Mass
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD2
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20565U 90031F 26185.14478697 .00001990 00000-0 20202-3 0 9997
2 20565 89.9148 244.7120 0051459 161.2251 199.0891 14.89504153386140
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
PDD mass
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
BALL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
PDD mass
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
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