EXPLORER 11 DEB (03739)

COSPAR: 1961-013B | Alt Name: Explorer XI meteoroid shield
DECAYED

Image
EXPLORER 11 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 27, 1961

Launch Pad

LC26B

Launch Vehicle

Juno II

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03739

International Designator

1961-013B

Decay Date

3/3/1989

Basic Satellite Info

Name

EXPLORER 11 DEB

Alternative Name

Explorer XI meteoroid shield

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

GSFC

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

0.1

Diameter

0.4

Span

0.4

Dry Mass

1

Launch Mass

1

Shape

Disk

Radar Cross Section

0.1575

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.

X Report 26 Oct 2025

X Report 26 Oct 2025

SpaceX continues to make waves with record launches and emerging challenges in its lunar endeavors. A new launch site on the West Coast promises to ramp up capacity, even as the Falcon 9 prepares for its eventual retirement.

Space Brief 21 Oct 2025

Space Brief 21 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.

X Report 1 Jan 2025

X Report 1 Jan 2025

SpaceX wraps up a record-breaking year with an impressive launch count, while the Starship program looks to make significant advancements in 2025.

X Report 3 Dec 2024

X Report 3 Dec 2024

Starship developments continue to capture attention alongside Starlink's latest deployment milestones.

Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards first-of-its-kind $52M contract to Starfish Space for deorbiting defunct satellites. AST SpaceMobile selected for Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program. $26B Space Force budget confirmed.

X Report 10 Dec 2025

X Report 10 Dec 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones in satellite launches and contemplates a historic IPO while actively participating in the competitive landscape of space technology and services.

Space Brief 18 Jan 2025

Space Brief 18 Jan 2025

In today's brief: high-profile personnel changes in the Space Force, the inclusion of Space Force in historical political events, and strategic shifts in defense highlighted with a focus on satellite applications.

Artemis 2 Crewed Lunar Flyby Scheduled for April 1 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Crewed Lunar Flyby Scheduled for April 1 | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA's Artemis II launches 4 astronauts on lunar flyby April 1. Soyuz-5 inaugural flight confirmed for April 3. Space warfare doctrines shift toward agentic AI for faster decision loops.