Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
SCOUT B DEB (29278)
COSPAR: 1968-066M | Alt Name: deb Explorer 39
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 8, 1968
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC5
Launch Vehicle
Scout B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29278
International Designator
1968-066M
Epoch
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:50:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
80.58°
Right Ascension
34.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.90°
Period
108.09 min
Mean Motion
13.32 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
SCOUT B DEB
Alternative Name
deb Explorer 39
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LARCN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29278U 68066M 26169.86833442 .00005098 00000-0 28819-2 0 9998
2 29278 80.5772 34.0810 0673872 87.8972 279.9118 13.32188831539663
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
0.0114
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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