Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
EXPLORER 38 DEB (28608)
COSPAR: 1968-055M | Alt Name: RAE-1 despin weight
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 4, 1968
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta J
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28608
International Designator
1968-055M
Epoch
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:12:19 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
120.81°
Right Ascension
168.29°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
294.96°
Period
224.21 min
Mean Motion
6.42 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EXPLORER 38 DEB
Alternative Name
RAE-1 despin weight
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28608U 68055M 26181.55022142 -.00000010 00000-0 00000-0 0 9999
2 28608 120.8129 168.2890 0023601 294.9638 240.7609 6.42258251297535
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
8.2
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
Disk + Cable
Radar Cross Section
0.0446
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
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