Space Brief 17 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include significant data release from NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, SpaceX's dual launches of Crew-10 and Starlink satellites, and intriguing findings from the arctic ice studies.
SPUTNIK 4 DEB (00038)
COSPAR: 1960-005E | Alt Name: Korabl'-Sputnik part
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 1960
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Vostok 8K72
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00038
International Designator
1960-005E
Decay Date
8/20/1960
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SPUTNIK 4 DEB
Alternative Name
Korabl'-Sputnik part
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
OKB1
Country
USSR
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
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
Technical Details
Payload
Vostok-1P part
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.
The NASA Budget Proposal That Nobody Asked For (Again)
The White House wants to cut NASA's science budget nearly in half for the second year running. Administrator Jared Isaacman says it's enough. Congress already rejected this exact idea once.
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.
Iran Strikes UAE and Saudi Targets, Space Force Opens Tracking to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Iran launches drones and missiles at UAE and Saudi targets. Space Force opens secretive tracking data to commercial firms. Falcon 9 breakup linked to lithium pollution in upper atmosphere.
X Report 1 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 19 Starlink satellites from California amidst a weather-related scrub of the Crew-11 mission to the ISS, showcasing the company’s focus on expanding its satellite constellation while overcoming operational challenges.
House Backs $55.5B Space Force Budget, Excludes $350B Reconciliation | KeepTrack Space Brief
House appropriators approved $55.5 billion for Space Force but omitted $350 billion reconciliation funds, threatening Golden Dome and large-scale space programs' acquisition timelines.
The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris
As humanity increasingly relies on satellites, the escalating space junk problem poses a dire threat to our space-based infrastructure. With debris counts reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed to prevent a cascade of collisions that could make key orbits unusable.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.