THOR ABLESTAR DEB (04015)

COSPAR: 1961-015JN | Alt Name: deb Ablestar 008

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

June 29, 1961

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Thor Ablestar

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

04015

International Designator

1961-015JN

Decay Date

3/1/2002

Basic Satellite Info

Name

THOR ABLESTAR DEB

Alternative Name

deb Ablestar 008

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0293

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.

Falling Space Debris Risk to Aircraft Grows, North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Experts warn falling space debris risk to aircraft is increasing. North Korea tests advanced hypersonic missiles. Space Force seeks launch providers for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg pads.

SpaceX Eyes Confidential IPO at $1.75T Valuation, Launches 54 Starlinks in One Day | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX reportedly eyes a confidential March IPO filing that could value the company at $1.75 trillion. Dual Falcon 9 launches deploy 54 Starlink satellites, pushing total on-orbit past 9,900.

Space Brief 21 Nov 2024

Today's brief covers influential space events including Space Force's interest in Starship, U.S. military constellation advancements, and technological developments in counter-drone capabilities.

Falcon 9 to Lift Cygnus as Artemis II Hits Midpoint | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 targets ISS Cygnus resupply as Artemis II reaches its halfway mark and SpaceX HLS commitment draws NASA praise.

Space Brief 11 Jun 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a major partnership in space tech distribution, China's orbital refueling preparations under U.S. scrutiny, recent U.S. defense budget reveals, and an exciting hyperspectral imagery release from Xplore.

X Report 16 Aug 2025

SpaceX receives FAA approval for its 10th Starship test flight scheduled for August 24, while also making strides in construction at the Cape and contesting broadband funding in Virginia.

Starship Flight 12 Targets Mid-May Launch, X Report 2 May 2026

Starship Flight 12 status for May 2026: SpaceX targets mid-May with a revised trajectory, while Starlink 10-38 lofts 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral.

Artemis 2 Delayed by Upper Stage Issue, Falcon 9 Hits 33rd Flight | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA delays Artemis 2 for SLS upper stage fix and pad rollback. SpaceX Falcon 9 booster shatters reuse record with 33rd flight. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for defense work.