Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
NORAD ID
00321
International Designator
1961-015CX
Decay Date
2/26/1969
Name
THOR ABLESTAR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ablestar 008
Type
Status
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.
For 56 years, April 22 has been the day the world stops to look at itself. Before that was possible, someone had to invent the view. This is the story of how we first saw Earth from the outside, from a crashed V-2 camera in the New Mexico desert to the Blue Marble that still hangs on classroom walls.
Today's highlights include Pulsar Fusion's groundbreaking nuclear rocket plans, partnerships for the Haven-1 space station, and a spotlight on military collaboration in quantum technology.
DARPA's accidental SpaceX detection highlights Earth as a natural sensor, while SpaceX's Fram2 launches into a polar orbit. Helsinki's defense budget rise hints at increased military satellite activity.
NASA's Van Allen Probe A (1,300 lbs) reenters today after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Most debris will burn up; ocean impact statistically likely.
Today's coverage includes the cancellation of DARPA's DRACO nuclear propulsion project, global shifts in Earth observation strategy, and new developments in satellite technology and military collaborations.
Today's brief covers a reveal from the US Space Force of the X-37B space plane in orbit, a developing defense shakeup involving key military leaders, confirmation of advanced federated ICAM connections by the DoD, and SAAB's plan for a Euro defense coalition. Plus, we spotlight the BDSAT-2 CubeSat.
Starship Flight 12 summary: V3 reached space May 22 and survived reentry despite one Raptor vacuum engine shutdown, with most test objectives complete.
