SATCOM 3 DEB (38687)

COSPAR: 1979-101W | Alt Name: deb Satcom 3

Image
SATCOM 3 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 7, 1979

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3914

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

38687

International Designator

1979-101W

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:21:42 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

7.53°

Right Ascension

184.22°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

273.88°

Period

798.37 min

Mean Motion

1.80 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

SATCOM 3 DEB

Alternative Name

deb Satcom 3

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RCA

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 38687U 79101W   26183.64007548 -.00000073  00000-0  00000-0 0  9995
2 38687   7.5268 184.2200 4791400 273.8840  34.5848  1.80368522123177

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

0.003

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

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 6 Sep 2025

Space Brief 6 Sep 2025

Today's brief covers China's latest experimental launch to GEO and new commercial satellites, insights from hyperspectral imagery on underground structures, and the Space Force's material testing for Mars missions.

X Report 25 Sep 2025

X Report 25 Sep 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides with multiple launches, including 28 Starlink satellites and NASA's IMAP mission, highlighting its ongoing role in advancing space weather research.

X Report 19 Dec 2024

X Report 19 Dec 2024

SpaceX secures FAA license for Starship Flight 7 and plans to establish Starbase as a city. Firefly and ispace are set to share a Falcon 9 launch. Plus, new Starlink services launch in New Zealand.

Space Brief 4 Mar 2025

Space Brief 4 Mar 2025

Today's brief covers the historic lunar touchdown by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, highlights in military space activity, and a reflection on Pearl Young's pioneering legacy at NASA.

Golden Dome Missile Shield Costs Up to $1.2T Over 20 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief

Golden Dome Missile Shield Costs Up to $1.2T Over 20 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief

CBO estimates Golden Dome national missile shield at $1.2 trillion over 20 years. Space-based intercept layer could add thousands of satellites to tracked orbital regimes.

The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever

The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever

Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system

Space Brief 14 Dec 2024

Space Brief 14 Dec 2024

Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.

Space Brief 26 Jul 2025

Space Brief 26 Jul 2025

Today's brief highlights the maiden flight of Blue Origin's Blue Ring spacecraft with a new AI-driven space sensor, debates on asteroid defense responsibilities, and updates on the U.S. Space Force's missile shield leadership.