Space Brief 30 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest satellite communications advancements, a secretive military launch by SpaceX, and new space defense organizational structures.
EXPLORER 38 DEB (03848)
COSPAR: 1968-055C | Alt Name: Star 17
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 4, 1968
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta J
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
03848
International Designator
1968-055C
Epoch
Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:04:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
120.83°
Right Ascension
182.07°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
226.22°
Period
224.12 min
Mean Motion
6.43 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EXPLORER 38 DEB
Alternative Name
Star 17
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 03848U 68055C 24226.29490897 -.00000010 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 03848 120.8322 182.0702 0017060 226.2180 133.7010 6.42500615216810
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
0.7
Diameter
0.4
Span
0.7
Dry Mass
10
Launch Mass
79
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
0.7161
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 17
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 17
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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