Space Brief 5 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into key military developments in space, including the Space Force's pioneering officer training and innovative small satellite communication strategies.
DMSP 5D-2 F13 DEB (40581)
COSPAR: 1995-015EQ | Alt Name: deb DMSP F-13
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 1995
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40581
International Designator
1995-015EQ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:58:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.70°
Right Ascension
227.78°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
235.21°
Period
100.20 min
Mean Motion
14.37 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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
Latest TLEs
1 40581U 95015EQ 26185.08236907 .00005402 00000-0 18264-2 0 9999
2 40581 98.7019 227.7844 0018226 235.2132 124.7339 14.37178849583103
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
0.01
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Kessler Syndrome
The Kessler Syndrome threatens humanity's future in space as cascading satellite collisions create exponential debris growth. With 36,000+ tracked objects and recent incidents accelerating risks, we face a critical juncture: implement solutions now or potentially lose access to low Earth orbit forever.
X Report 18 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for a historic Falcon 9 landing attempt in The Bahamas, while also contributing to FAA air traffic control modernization.
X Report 26 Nov 2025
This edition highlights SpaceX's ambitious plans for Starship in light of recent developments, a busy launch week featuring multiple missions, and the latest updates on Starlink's operational status.
Space Brief 20 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief focuses on multi-billion dollar contracts for missile-tracking satellites, developments in optical nuclear clock research, and innovative drone projects for military collaboration.
X Report 17 Apr 2025
Starbase expansion progresses and Germany eyes its own satellite constellation.
The Day Humanity First Used a Planet to Navigate the Solar System
Fifty-one years ago, Mariner 10 revolutionized space exploration by executing the first-ever planetary gravity assist at Venus, pioneering a technique that would transform how we explore the solar system
X Report 18 Jan 2025
SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 7 as FAA launches an investigation, while future transportation policies might impact SpaceX operations. Meanwhile, the Starlink constellation continues strong.