Space Brief 18 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.
DMSP 5D-2 F13 DEB (40431)
COSPAR: 1995-015AH | Alt Name: deb DMSP F-13
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 1995
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40431
International Designator
1995-015AH
Decay Date
9/1/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DMSP 5D-2 F13 DEB
Alternative Name
deb DMSP F-13
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSMC
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
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0134
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.
Space Brief 25 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.
Space Brief 22 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers space-based missile defense, AI maritime surveillance, and new governmental shifts impacting the defense sector.
SpaceX Valued at $1.25T as IPO Signals Intensify | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits a $1.25 trillion valuation as IPO speculation mounts, Starlink 17-17 lifts off from Vandenberg, and a quantum sensor rides to orbit.
X Report 21 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into polar orbit, enhancing global coverage. Meanwhile, NASA's Crew-11 is now in quarantine ahead of their upcoming ISS mission.
Space Brief 9 Nov 2025
Today's top stories include SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Blue Origin's FAA exemption request, and major acquisitions by Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace shaping the defense and space landscape.
X Report 13 Aug 2025
SpaceX continues to innovate as it nears peak Falcon 9 launch rates while refining technologies pivotal for future Mars missions.
Your Phone Already Talks to Space
SpaceX quietly built the world's largest 4G network without a single cell tower. Over 650 satellites now connect standard smartphones directly from orbit, and most people carrying compatible phones don't know the service exists.