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
OPS 0856 DEB (24959)
COSPAR: 1966-077R | Alt Name: deb FTV 1352
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 1966
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3 Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24959
International Designator
1966-077R
Epoch
Sat, 30 May 2026 23:16:08 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
88.08°
Right Ascension
148.71°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
355.68°
Period
160.61 min
Mean Motion
8.97 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 0856 DEB
Alternative Name
deb FTV 1352
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24959U 66077R 26150.96954656 .00001164 00000-0 19692+0 0 9997
2 24959 88.0800 148.7054 1139230 355.6803 30.2828 8.96600226177640
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
0.0765
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.
X Report 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites and deploys a new batch of spy satellites for the US government.
X Report 19 Apr 2025
SpaceX faces regulatory review for Bahamian rocket landings, positions itself for a major government contract, and a new Star Wars Lego set adds to the fun!
X Report 17 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks another milestone and setback with Starship Flight 7, achieving a successful booster catch but losing the upper stage during ascent.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2025
Today's space brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's new satellite naming scheme, the Air Force Secretary's warnings on China's space advances, BAE Systems' DARPA award, strategies for future space defense, the importance of GEO satellite refueling, and Blue Origin's plans for Space Force certification.
X Report 30 Apr 2025
SpaceX achieves a remarkable milestone with its 50th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, while Starlink continues to expand, facing competition from China's megaconstellation efforts.
SpaceX Launches NROL-105 Spy Satellite, GE Validates Hypersonic Ramjet Engine | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches NROL-105 spy satellite from Vandenberg in first national security mission of 2026. GE and Lockheed validate compact rotating detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles.
The Day Opportunity Changed Our View of Mars Forever
Twenty-one years ago, a golf cart-sized rover bounced to a stop inside a small crater on Mars, beginning one of the most remarkable chapters in space exploration history