Space Brief 26 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers a new Space Force contract for advanced tracking systems, innovative debris removal strategies, pivotal new satellite launches, and significant updates in air quality tracking from orbit.
CZ-4 DEB (20850)
COSPAR: 1990-081N | Alt Name: deb CZ-4 Y2 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 3, 1990
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC7
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20850
International Designator
1990-081N
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:59:14 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.45°
Right Ascension
234.56°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
171.86°
Period
100.54 min
Mean Motion
14.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4 DEB
Alternative Name
deb CZ-4 Y2 Stage 3
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
MAI2
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20850U 90081N 26185.08280803 .00000520 00000-0 20274-3 0 9999
2 20850 98.4462 234.5618 0072665 171.8621 219.5454 14.32224907865385
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
0.1668
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Gantry Damaged; SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's LC-36 gantry damaged in blast; CEO targets end-2026 return. SpaceX awarded $4.16B Space Force contract for airborne threat tracking satellites.
X Report 10 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for multiple Falcon 9 launches, amidst challenges from Project Kuiper and environmental concerns.
US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief
US military praised for space operations against Iran assessed as jamming or spoofing satellite communications. Electronic warfare effects invisible to orbital tracking data.
X Report 28 Dec 2025
SpaceX scrubs a launch due to ground system issues while continuing its ambitious deployment of Starlink satellites.
The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey
Fifty-nine years ago, a revolutionary new rocket thundered skyward from Cape Kennedy, testing the spacecraft that would eventually carry astronauts to the lunar surface
Space Brief 19 Nov 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the latest developments in space debris detection, Ursa Major's defense push, and SpaceX's Starlink launch. Additionally, insights into microreactors for military bases, US Cyber Command updates, and gravitational wave discoveries are highlighted.
X Report 1 Nov 2025
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its 100th Starlink mission launch and makes impressive progress on lunar lander development for Artemis III.