X Report 17 Dec 2025
SpaceX prepares for a busy launch schedule with key upgrades at Starbase and notable Starlink missions. Recent close approaches in orbit underscore the complexities of satellite operations.
THOR ABLESTAR DEB (00299)
COSPAR: 1961-015CQ | Alt Name: deb Ablestar 008
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00299
International Designator
1961-015CQ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:50:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
67.17°
Right Ascension
355.35°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
285.16°
Period
105.18 min
Mean Motion
13.69 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR ABLESTAR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ablestar 008
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 00299U 61015CQ 26184.86832337 .00000094 00000-0 16538-3 0 9993
2 00299 67.1687 355.3529 0198241 285.1583 72.7639 13.69028328231345
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
0.049
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.
Space Brief 20 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the nomination of a new Space Force leader, partnership efforts by Lockheed, Sweden's defense budget delay, Israeli military actions, Proba-3's imaging breakthrough, and Starlink's license to operate in India.
Space Brief 5 Jul 2025
Today's space highlights include China's first classified Shiyan-28B launch, Boeing's major satellite contract, new NASA budget allocations, and plans for shuttle Discovery's relocation.
Space Brief 20 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include the U.S. military's satellite initiative facing delays, Senate inquiries into high-profile calls, and an update on Pentagon's UFO investigations. Notable mentions also cover Morocco's defense sector ambitions.
SpaceX Launches 2 Starlink Batches in 48 Hours, Both Coasts | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched Starlink batches from Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral within 48 hours, pushing the active constellation toward 10,000 operational satellites.
Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force executes first tactical orbital intercept under Victus Haze mission using commercial spacecraft. Rendezvous and proximity operations now operationally demonstrated.
Space Brief 27 Jan 2025
Highlights include US military astronaut rescue drills, China's commercial involvement in lunar missions, ESA's budget proposals, global opposition to space advertising, and NASA lunar landers.
X Report 19 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights a catastrophic failure during Starship preparations, significant advancements in Starlink services in Ukraine and India, and the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites.