The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth
Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage
ARIANE 2 DEB (33548)
COSPAR: 1989-006AQ | Alt Name: deb Ariane V28
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 27, 1989
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA1
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
33548
International Designator
1989-006AQ
Epoch
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:58:55 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
10.11°
Right Ascension
13.86°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
197.30°
Period
647.83 min
Mean Motion
2.22 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
ARIANE 2 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ariane V28
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AE
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 33548U 89006AQ 26090.95758424 -.00000247 00000-0 00000-0 0 9991
2 33548 10.1113 13.8563 6924200 197.3047 115.4206 2.22279927166275
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
0.2222
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
EADSL
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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