MSX DEB (23859)

COSPAR: 1996-024C | Alt Name: SPIRIT III Cover

Image
MSX DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 24, 1996

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2W

Launch Vehicle

Delta 7920-10

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23859

International Designator

1996-024C

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:02:16 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

99.14°

Right Ascension

131.39°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

54.31°

Period

102.99 min

Mean Motion

13.98 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

MSX DEB

Alternative Name

SPIRIT III Cover

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

BMDO

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 23859U 96024C   26185.12657468  .00000141  00000-0  12593-3 0  9998
2 23859  99.1364 131.3909 0087254  54.3145 317.1702 13.98160395538704

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

0.2

Diameter

0.3

Span

0.3

Dry Mass

30

Launch Mass

30

Shape

Dome

Radar Cross Section

0.227

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

SPIRIT III Cover

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

APL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

MSX Cover

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
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