Space Brief 26 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the crash of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket over Europe, the Space Force's mapping efforts with Iron Dome, and key military appointments and funding decisions.
MSG-3 DEB [BAFFLE COVER] (40872)
COSPAR: 2012-035F | Alt Name: SEVIRI Entry Baffle Cover
Image
![MSG-3 DEB [BAFFLE COVER] Satellite Image](/images/sat/deb1.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 5, 2012
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5ECA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40872
International Designator
2012-035F
Epoch
Sat, 22 Mar 2025 06:51:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
8.53°
Right Ascension
62.25°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
218.01°
Period
1401.58 min
Mean Motion
1.03 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MSG-3 DEB [BAFFLE COVER]
Alternative Name
SEVIRI Entry Baffle Cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
EUMET
Country
EUMETSAT
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40872U 12035F 25080.28592477 -.00000028 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 40872 8.5285 62.2472 0095423 218.0063 141.3864 1.02741301 43112
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
0.5
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
4
Launch Mass
4
Shape
Disk
Radar Cross Section
0.003
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
MSG 3 Baffle Cover
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SENER
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
MSG cover
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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