ATLAS D DEB (02271)

COSPAR: 1966-046AN | Alt Name: deb Atlas 5304

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

June 1, 1966

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC14

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

02271

International Designator

1966-046AN

Decay Date

7/4/1966

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS D DEB

Alternative Name

deb Atlas 5304

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LERC/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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

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.

SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Missile Tracking Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX awarded $178.5M Space Force contract for missile tracking satellite launches beginning 2027. Pentagon also extends GPS modernization support with $45M Raytheon order.

NASA OIG Flags Starship Artemis Gaps as Falcon 9 Eyes 8-Launch Week | KeepTrack X Report

NASA's Inspector General warns of crew survival analysis gaps in Starship lunar lander program as Falcon 9 prepares to lead 8 global launches this week.

Space Brief 28 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.

Your Phone Already Talks to Space

SpaceX quietly built the world's largest 4G network without a single cell tower. Over 650 satellites now connect standard smartphones directly from orbit, and most people carrying compatible phones don't know the service exists.

Space Brief 20 May 2025

Today's brief covers potential roles for commercial satellites in missile defense, SpaceX's new launch site plans at Vandenberg, and partnerships for space nuclear propulsion. Discover updates on military space projects and international defense agreements.

X Report 11 Dec 2024

SpaceX advances with new Starship engine tests and celebrates a festive launch at Vandenberg. Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination brings excitement and scrutiny.

Seismic Networks Now Track Space Junk, Pentagon Faces Golden Dome Cost Challenges | KeepTrack Space Brief

Johns Hopkins researchers use seismic networks to track space debris in near real-time. Pentagon faces Golden Dome production scale challenges. SpaceX launches 25 Starlink sats in seventh 2026 mission.

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

Fifty-six years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched toward the Red Planet after being saved from disaster by two quick-thinking technicians who risked their lives to prevent a rocket collapse