Space Brief 6 Jul 2025
Today’s brief covers the delayed launch of Australia's first orbital rocket, China's reusability programs, and the snow-enforced shutdown of a Chilean radio telescope.
USA 40 R/B DEB (23378)
COSPAR: 1989-061BA | 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
23378
International Designator
1989-061BA
Epoch
Sun, 14 Jul 2024 21:00:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
56.96°
Right Ascension
26.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
231.84°
Period
160.70 min
Mean Motion
8.96 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
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 23378U 89061BA 24195.87516293 .00010979 00000-0 59331-2 0 9998
2 23378 56.9576 26.1594 2999071 231.8448 97.2487 8.96096002130682
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
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