SATURN 5 DEB (03197)

COSPAR: 1968-025N | Alt Name: deb Saturn S-IVB-502

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 4, 1968

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Saturn V

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03197

International Designator

1968-025N

Decay Date

4/16/1968

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SATURN 5 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Saturn S-IVB-502

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

MSFC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Force Plans to Double Active-Duty Force by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force confirms plan to double active-duty Guardians by 2030, targeting faster response to satellite anomalies and adversary maneuvers in space domain awareness operations.

Space Brief 7 Sep 2025

Today's Space Brief covers China’s latest satellite launches, leadership changes in the U.S. Space Force, insights from hyperspectral imagery on an Iranian facility, SpaceX's Starlink mission, and more.

GOES-G | The Day a Weather Satellite Exploded Over the Atlantic

Forty years ago today, a Delta 3914 lifted off Cape Canaveral with a weather satellite the country could not afford to lose. Seventy-one seconds later, its main engine cut off. Ninety-one seconds in, the range safety officer pressed his button. The third domino of a brutal 1986 had fallen.

Space Brief 2 Mar 2025

Today's brief highlights the successful landing of a private moon mission by Firefly Aerospace, a new simulator for the Spanish Air and Space Force, and the anticipated launch by Europe's Ariane 6. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight features the COSMOS 2484.

SpaceX S-1 Sinks Tesla 5%, Merger Talk Grows, X Report 2 Jun 2026

SpaceX IPO paperwork stokes Tesla merger predictions: the amended S-1 sank Tesla stock 5% in a day. Starlink stands at 10,492 working satellites.

X Report 21 May 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites using a new Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expands its satellite internet constellation.

Starship Florida Launch Targeting 2026 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX is pushing to launch Starship from Cape Canaveral before end of 2026, with contractors ramping work at LC-39A.

SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.