The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever
Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe
NIMBUS 2 DEB (28978)
COSPAR: 1966-040AP | Alt Name: Nimbus 2 debris
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 1966
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
75-1-1
Launch Vehicle
Thor SLV-2A Agena B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28978
International Designator
1966-040AP
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:26:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
100.38°
Right Ascension
121.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
345.23°
Period
106.46 min
Mean Motion
13.53 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NIMBUS 2 DEB
Alternative Name
Nimbus 2 debris
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28978U 66040AP 26185.26856150 .00001627 00000-0 25119-2 0 9991
2 28978 100.3800 121.2738 0043957 345.2266 175.3847 13.52608423932236
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
0.0249
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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