The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
SATCOM 3 DEB (32984)
COSPAR: 1979-101K | Alt Name: deb Satcom 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 1979
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3914
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
32984
International Designator
1979-101K
Epoch
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:32:17 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
9.63°
Right Ascension
73.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
116.07°
Period
788.46 min
Mean Motion
1.83 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
SATCOM 3 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Satcom 3
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RCA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 32984U 79101K 26182.89742241 -.00000085 00000-0 00000-0 0 9994
2 32984 9.6344 73.6239 4833970 116.0659 93.8842 1.82633525 89945
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
0.0112
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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