Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
SL-16 DEB (25906)
COSPAR: 1993-059J | Alt Name: deb 11S772
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 16, 1993
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC45/1
Launch Vehicle
Zenit-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25906
International Designator
1993-059J
Decay Date
4/21/2000
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-16 DEB
Alternative Name
deb 11S772
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSNR
Country
Russia
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
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0004
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.
X Report 4 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides in satellite deployment with a successful launch. The European Space Agency's new satellite enhances global atmospheric forecasting, showcasing the expanding role of launches in improving environmental monitoring.
Voyager 1
In November 2023, Earth's most distant spacecraft started speaking gibberish. Five months, one dead memory chip, and 30 billion miles of round-trip troubleshooting later, engineers got it talking again - using code written before most of them were born.
The Day That Changed Spaceflight Forever
Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management
The Day Destiny Changed the Space Station Forever
Twenty-four years ago, two spacewalking astronauts battled an ammonia leak while installing the U.S. Laboratory module Destiny, transforming the International Space Station from a construction site to a world-class research facility
Space Brief 7 May 2025
Today's briefing focuses on key developments in military space activities, technological advancements, and strategic challenges faced by the U.S. in space dominance. Notably, the Space Force is expanding its missile warning capabilities, and significant funding discussions are underway.
Apogee and Perigee
Understanding the high and low points of every orbit - from the International Space Station's careful dance with Earth's atmosphere to the extreme ellipses that take satellites to the edge of space and back.
Space Brief 27 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include the certification of ULA's Vulcan rocket for national security missions, developments in nuclear timekeeping for GPS systems, and updates on the Space Force's new warfighting framework.