DRAGON C2+ DEB (38351)

COSPAR: 2012-027D | Alt Name: Dragon C2 solar array cover
DECAYED

Image
DRAGON C2+ DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 22, 2012

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

38351

International Designator

2012-027D

Decay Date

6/9/2012

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DRAGON C2+ DEB

Alternative Name

Dragon C2 solar array cover

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

SPX

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

2.9

Diameter

0.4

Span

2.9

Dry Mass

104

Launch Mass

104

Shape

Plate

Radar Cross Section

0.6656

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Unknown

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

SPX

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.

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.

New Glenn Destroyed After USSF Awards Blue Origin Task Order | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn Destroyed After USSF Awards Blue Origin Task Order | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded hours after USSF and NRO awarded national security launch contract. Impact on NSSL competition unclear.

Space Brief 16 May 2025

Space Brief 16 May 2025

Today's brief covers challenges in Space Force procurement, promising developments in tracking technologies, and significant budget cuts affecting military aerospace projects.

Space Brief 20 Jan 2025

Space Brief 20 Jan 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.

Today in Space History 2025

Today in Space History 2025

From Apollo's darkest days to humanity's first transmission from Venus, we spent 2025 remembering the missions that made modern spaceflight possible. Here's what we covered - and why we're committed to keeping this series going.

Space Brief 30 Nov 2024

Space Brief 30 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual satellite launches, a new Space Force contract with Raytheon, and Astroscale's upcoming OneWeb mission.

Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS

Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encounters thruster problems and helium leaks during its first crewed mission, potentially delaying the return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station.

Shimizu's Luna Ring - The Plan to Wrap the Moon in Solar Panels

Shimizu's Luna Ring - The Plan to Wrap the Moon in Solar Panels

A 220-year-old Japanese construction company wants to build an 11,000-kilometer belt of solar cells around the lunar equator and beam the power back to Earth. The physics checks out. Everything else is another story.