X Report 27 Oct 2025
SpaceX achieves a significant milestone with over 10,000 satellites launched, the West Coast welcomes Falcon Heavy launches, and developments around Artemis 3 prompt competitive discourse.
USA 181 DEB (28541)
COSPAR: 2005-004C | Alt Name: USA-181 P/L 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 3, 2005
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas 3B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28541
International Designator
2005-004C
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 181 DEB
Alternative Name
USA-181 P/L 2
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NROC/USN
Country
United States
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
2
Diameter
2
Span
2
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
1000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
INTRUDER 6
Purpose
Ocean Surveillance, ELINT
Mission
Ocean Surveillance, ELINT
Manufacturer
LMSSD
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
NOSS-3
Configuration
?
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 23 Apr 2025
Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.
Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.
2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.
STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster
Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.
X Report 29 Jul 2025
Today’s brief highlights developments including the Crew-11 launch preparations and the impact of Starlink satellites on radio telescope observations.
Crew-11 Completes First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, SpaceX Sets Pad Record | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 astronauts splashdown off California in first-ever ISS medical evacuation. SpaceX sets pad turnaround record at Cape Canaveral with Starlink 6-98 deploying 29 satellites.
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.