Space Brief 16 Jan 2025
Explore today's pivotal news in space with highlights on record government space budgets, military satellite developments, and significant industry shifts.
NOAA 16 DEB (41263)
COSPAR: 2000-055FP | Alt Name: deb NOAA 16
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 21, 2000
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC4W
Launch Vehicle
Titan II SLV
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
41263
International Designator
2000-055FP
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:15:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.83°
Right Ascension
205.61°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
16.42°
Period
101.60 min
Mean Motion
14.17 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NOAA 16 DEB
Alternative Name
deb NOAA 16
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NOAA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 41263U 00055FP 26184.76057281 .00005475 00000-0 26728-2 0 9991
2 41263 98.8286 205.6051 0065945 16.4247 343.9044 14.17278083537981
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
0.0028
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 15 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched Northrop Grumman's new Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the ISS, marking a significant advancement in cargo delivery capabilities.
Space Brief 31 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers advancements in satellite technology initiatives by the U.S. Space Force, geopolitical implications in maritime domains, and Sweden's significant military aid package. Additionally, we spotlight a historical satellite with modern implications.
The Day Earth Became a Pale Blue Dot
Thirty-five years ago, Voyager 1 captured a revolutionary series of images from the edge of our solar system, forever changing how humanity sees its place in the cosmos
X Report 3 Jul 2025
In a landmark achievement, SpaceX celebrated its 500th Falcon 9 launch by deploying 27 Starlink satellites while simultaneously advancing its reuse strategy with record-breaking milestones.
X Report 16 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites while marking a significant milestone with the 500th Falcon 9 mission. Additionally, the company is preparing for further testing of its Starship system and has begun collaborating with Amazon on their Project Kuiper constellation.
Vulcan GEM 63XL Passes Static Fire; February Anomaly Still Under Investigation | KeepTrack Space Brief
Northrop Grumman's GEM 63XL solid rocket booster passed static fire testing, but ULA's investigation into a February 2026 Vulcan in-flight anomaly remains open. No RTF date set.
Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.