THOR ABLESTAR DEB (21970)

COSPAR: 1961-015ML | Alt Name: deb Ablestar 008
DECAYED

Image
THOR ABLESTAR DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 29, 1961

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Thor Ablestar

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21970

International Designator

1961-015ML

Decay Date

10/1/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

THOR ABLESTAR DEB

Alternative Name

deb Ablestar 008

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

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

0.0149

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

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