Space Brief 26 Aug 2024
Today's briefing covers an exciting new satellite launch, a significant reentry, and unexpected space debris from a fragmentation event.
SL-16 DEB (20628)
COSPAR: 1990-046E | Alt Name: Sep Motor Cover
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 22, 1990
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC45/2
Launch Vehicle
Zenit-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20628
International Designator
1990-046E
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:22:25 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
70.98°
Right Ascension
141.49°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
193.59°
Period
104.92 min
Mean Motion
13.72 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-16 DEB
Alternative Name
Sep Motor Cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
UNKS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20628U 90046E 26185.14057510 .00000073 00000-0 10880-3 0 9992
2 20628 70.9756 141.4932 0207805 193.5937 165.9516 13.72493064807802
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
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Cone
Radar Cross Section
0.0831
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Sep Motor Cover
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Sep Motor Cover
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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