Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
FENGYUN 1C DEB (31279)
COSPAR: 1999-025BNM | Alt Name: deb FY-1C
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 10, 1999
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC7
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
31279
International Designator
1999-025BNM
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:01:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
98.51°
Right Ascension
191.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
307.35°
Period
100.92 min
Mean Motion
14.27 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
FENGYUN 1C DEB
Alternative Name
deb FY-1C
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 31279U 99025BNM 26183.83448239 .00001095 00000-0 45695-3 0 9995
2 31279 98.5132 191.6832 0071864 307.3488 52.1160 14.26814026 886
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
0.0164
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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