Space Brief 27 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.
USA 40 R/B DEB (22268)
COSPAR: 1989-061J | Alt Name: deb USA-40
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 8, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
22268
International Designator
1989-061J
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 40 R/B DEB
Alternative Name
deb USA-40
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD2
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
Unknown
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 11 Aug 2025
Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.
X Report 10 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites, bolstering its broadband network and expanding global internet coverage.
Falcon 9 Lofts 46 Payloads Including CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's third rideshare mission of 2026 delivered South Korea's CAS500-2 imager and 45 secondary payloads to Sun-synchronous orbit on Falcon 9.
SpaceX Valued at $1.25T as IPO Signals Intensify | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits a $1.25 trillion valuation as IPO speculation mounts, Starlink 17-17 lifts off from Vandenberg, and a quantum sensor rides to orbit.
Starship Flight 13 to Deploy First Starlink V3 Sats | KeepTrack X Report
Starship Flight 13 launches first Starlink V3 satellites as SpaceX nears 10,839 working satellites in orbit across the Starlink fleet.
SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Makes Debut Flight | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's secretive Starfall reentry demo launched June 23 as Starmind AI constellation targets 1M orbital compute nodes.
X Report 19 Feb 2025
SpaceX achieves a new milestone with a Falcon 9 landing near The Bahamas, closely following Rocket Lab's successful satellite launch.