X Report 1 Jul 2025
SpaceX gears up for an exciting July with a doubleheader launch planned for the east coast and ongoing advancements in Starlink technology.
SL-8 DEB (21159)
COSPAR: 1991-009W | Alt Name: deb S3M
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 12, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21159
International Designator
1991-009W
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:47:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
73.94°
Right Ascension
146.21°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
56.76°
Period
117.16 min
Mean Motion
12.29 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 DEB
Alternative Name
deb S3M
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 21159U 91009W 26185.11659887 -.00000005 00000-0 76794-4 0 9997
2 21159 73.9407 146.2147 0143608 56.7559 69.8188 12.29089216585091
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
0.0624
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.
Starlink V2 Flies on Starship in 2027, X Report 4 Mar 2026
Gwynne Shotwell confirms Starlink V2 launches on Starship in 2027. Ship 39 preps Starship Flight 12; Falcon 9 lofts its 600th Starlink of 2026.
Space Brief 11 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights key developments in space technology, military space activities, and satellite refueling initiatives. Discover the latest on GEO satellite refueling, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and more.
Space Brief 8 Feb 2025
Stay updated on key orbital events including Rocket Lab's upcoming launch, significant legislative moves in space traffic management, and changes in defense policies impacting space operations.
X Report 27 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites while facing new competition for its satellite programs, including potential alternatives for the Space Force.
X Report 20 Jun 2025
SpaceX experiences significant setbacks with Starship after Ship 36 explodes during static fire preparations, while Eutelsat secures funding to bolster competition against Starlink.
Lagrange Points
Five spots in the Earth-Sun system where the gravitational tug of two massive bodies and the pull of circular motion all cancel out, creating gravitational parking spaces where spacecraft can sit for decades with almost no fuel.
The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name