Space Brief 19 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, Space Dynamics Lab's new collaboration with the Space Force, and shifts within the Pentagon's AI division.
CZ-4B DEB (26218)
COSPAR: 1999-057DG | Alt Name: deb CZ-4B Y1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 14, 1999
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC7
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26218
International Designator
1999-057DG
Decay Date
5/14/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4B DEB
Alternative Name
deb CZ-4B Y1
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
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
0.094
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 31 Mar 2025
New experiments in space agriculture begin with Fram2 mission, a historic polar orbit flight, and a Starlink launch postponement.
X Report 19 Dec 2024
SpaceX secures FAA license for Starship Flight 7 and plans to establish Starbase as a city. Firefly and ispace are set to share a Falcon 9 launch. Plus, new Starlink services launch in New Zealand.
Space Force Kills Resilient GPS Program, China Tests Reusable Long March 12B | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force terminates Resilient GPS satellite program. China successfully tests Long March 12B reusable first stage at Jiuquan. GE and Lockheed validate detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles.
X Report 20 Apr 2025
SpaceX is preparing for significant infrastructure expansion in Texas and Florida to support Starship, launches its third NRO mission in a week, and faces regulatory scrutiny from the Bahamas.
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.
Intel Partners on Musk's Terafab AI Chip Fab | KeepTrack X Report
Intel joins Terafab, Elon Musk's Austin AI chip complex, to supply SpaceX and Tesla as Falcon 9 prepares a Cygnus ISS run.
SpaceX Hits 50 Launches, Falcon Heavy Scrub, X Report 28 Apr 2026
SpaceX hit 50 launches in 2026 on April 26. Falcon Heavy's ViaSat-3 mission, only its 12th flight, scrubbed on weather at Kennedy; new date pending.