Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
How our ability to track and predict objects in orbit has become the foundation of space safety in an increasingly crowded cosmic neighborhood
NIMBUS 2 DEB (40646)
COSPAR: 1966-040BK | Alt Name: Nimbus 2 debris
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 1966
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
75-1-1
Launch Vehicle
Thor SLV-2A Agena B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40646
International Designator
1966-040BK
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:57:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
100.37°
Right Ascension
79.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
79.48°
Period
106.72 min
Mean Motion
13.49 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NIMBUS 2 DEB
Alternative Name
Nimbus 2 debris
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40646U 66040BK 26185.16463251 .00001820 00000-0 29439-2 0 9996
2 40646 100.3727 79.5144 0052635 79.4817 281.2239 13.49289266546269
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
0.0081
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.
X Report 13 Dec 2024
SpaceX ramps up Starship preparations in Florida while California prepares for another Starlink launch.
Space Brief 19 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers the investigation into Musk-Putin calls, SpaceX launch restrictions impacts, Pentagon's space investment strategies, ABL Space's pivot in focus, and Israel's defense export developments.
X Report 3 Apr 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX's Fram2 mission and the pivotal role of biotech in space exploration.
SpaceX Blocks Unauthorized Russian Starlink Terminals | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX disables Starlink terminals used by Russian troops after Ukrainian coordination. Crew-12 delayed to Feb 13 by weather. 24 Starlink satellites launched from Vandenberg.
Space Brief 27 Aug 2025
Today's key space events include SpaceX's launch of the secretive X-37B military drone, XTAR's U.S. defense market strategy, and China's space station AI upgrade.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
Space Brief 20 Aug 2024
Polaris Dawn's upcoming commercial spacewalk, successful lunar orbit by Chinese spacecraft, and more space news including SpaceX's Starlink mission, RFA's static-fire failure, and advances in satellite technology.