Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
DELTA 1 DEB (29184)
COSPAR: 1968-002H | Alt Name: deb FW4D
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 11, 1968
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta E1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29184
International Designator
1968-002H
Epoch
Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:55:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
105.83°
Right Ascension
235.17°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
208.23°
Period
109.34 min
Mean Motion
13.17 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb FW4D
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29184U 68002H 26176.99658034 .00001827 00000-0 41744-2 0 9996
2 29184 105.8313 235.1672 0259753 208.2346 150.4450 13.16967703559718
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
0.0117
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 3 Nov 2025
SpaceX completed a successful Bandwagon rideshare mission, launching a private space station pathfinder along with multiple satellites, marking another significant milestone in 2025's launch schedule.
China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear
In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.
Sandhoo Takes Dual SDA Director, Missile Warning Role | KeepTrack Space Brief
Brig. Gen. Gursharan Sandhoo double-hatted as SDA director and Space Force missile warning PAE head as Pentagon consolidates LEO satellite programs under new acquisition structure.
The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.
X Report 16 Nov 2024
SpaceX preps for Starship Flight 6 while Shotwell predicts Starship's future impact. Impulse Space secures Falcon 9 launches, and potential shifts in US space policy loom.
SpaceMobile-006 (BlueBird 6)
The largest commercial antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit belongs to a company most people have never heard of. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 is either the future of cellular connectivity or the most ambitious overreach in telecom history - and it just finished unfolding.