Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
USA 40 R/B DEB (23371)
COSPAR: 1989-061AT | Alt Name: deb USA-40
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 8, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23371
International Designator
1989-061AT
Epoch
Tue, 26 Feb 2019 20:11:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
56.97°
Right Ascension
178.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
132.83°
Period
164.30 min
Mean Motion
8.76 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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
Latest TLEs
1 23371U 89061AT 19056.84149841 .00002322 00000-0 10361-2 0 9992
2 23371 56.9693 178.7457 3130077 132.8336 258.2374 8.76462641 1312
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
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
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.
Artemis 2 Crew Arrives for April 1 Lunar Flyby Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 astronauts arrive at KSC for April 1 launch. Four-person crew will fly lunar free-return trajectory, first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.
X Report 29 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances Starship development while planning future replacements for Falcon and Dragon.
Space Brief 22 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.
Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,191, X Report 14 Apr 2026
Starlink satellite count April 2026: 10,191 working of 10,209 in orbit. SpaceX flew its 1,000th Starlink of 2026 on April 14, adding 29 more sats.
SpaceX Preps Seventh Starlink Launch of 2026 With 25 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starlink 17-20 launch of 25 satellites to polar orbit from Vandenberg pad 4E — seventh Starlink mission of the year. 11,009 total Starlink satellites launched to date.
Rocket Lab Acquires 66-Satellite Iridium Constellation | KeepTrack Space Brief
Rocket Lab to acquire Iridium's 66-satellite LEO constellation for end-to-end vertical integration. Deal includes spacecraft manufacturing, launch, and on-orbit operations control.
Space Brief 29 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers closer military and intelligence space integration, new satellite servicing advancements, and more insightful defense and space news.