Space Brief 27 Aug 2024
Today's highlights include the destruction of ABL Space Systems' rocket due to engine leaks, Firefly Aerospace's lunar lander pre-launch tests, and insights on U.S. military's space domain awareness enhancements.
THOR ABLESTAR DEB (00404)
COSPAR: 1961-015ED | Alt Name: deb Ablestar 008
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00404
International Designator
1961-015ED
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:52:53 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
66.47°
Right Ascension
68.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
163.14°
Period
111.41 min
Mean Motion
12.93 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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
Latest TLEs
1 00404U 61015ED 26185.07840243 .00000591 00000-0 12064-2 0 9991
2 00404 66.4687 68.2927 0553466 163.1412 198.8857 12.92536682 45423
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
0.1279
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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