Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
SL-8 DEB (21861)
COSPAR: 1991-009CA | 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
21861
International Designator
1991-009CA
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:26:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
74.02°
Right Ascension
19.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
123.73°
Period
117.53 min
Mean Motion
12.25 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
SL-8 DEB
Alternative Name
deb S3M
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 21861U 91009CA 26183.97655862 .00000172 00000-0 16367-2 0 9990
2 21861 74.0247 19.2204 0139299 123.7296 29.5772 12.25173618578698
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
0.0361
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
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