Space Brief 9 May 2025
Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.
DELTA 1 DEB (03126)
COSPAR: 1968-002C | Alt Name: Explorer 36 despin weight
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
03126
International Designator
1968-002C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:37:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
106.06°
Right Ascension
140.93°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
135.06°
Period
112.28 min
Mean Motion
12.82 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
Explorer 36 despin weight
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 03126U 68002C 26184.40109231 -.00000005 00000-0 24083-3 0 9995
2 03126 106.0609 140.9255 0321098 135.0556 14.2818 12.82469732736363
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
0.0568
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.
The Evolution of Space Stations
A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Static Fire Test at Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's fourth New Glenn rocket exploded during static fire at LC-36, Cape Canaveral, destroying the fully stacked vehicle and pad infrastructure. Amazon Leo launch postponed indefinitely.
Space Brief 12 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers major developments including the public debut of Voyager Technologies, advancements in defense by Sierra Space, and Pentagon's mega-constellation challenges. Also featured are new software selections by the Space Force and legislative actions on acquisition pilots.
X Report 2 Dec 2024
SpaceX continues its Starship testing while advancing Starlink deployments, and collaborates on satellite missions with industry partners.
Space Brief 15 Dec 2024
Anticipated NISAR launch now scheduled for March 2025; Rivada persists in broadband constellation quest despite setbacks; SpaceX scrubbed RRT-1 launch holds mystery.
X Report 28 Oct 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites and settled a lawsuit, while Starlink's performance faces scrutiny in Ukraine. Additionally, MTN is enhancing Starlink's business services.
Starship V3 Flight 12 Four Weeks Out, X Report 11 Mar 2026
Starship V3 timeline: Musk puts Flight 12 about 4 weeks out, early to mid April 2026. SpaceX also hit 30 missions of 2026 with the 15,000-lb EchoStar 25.