Space Brief 1 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.
ASTRO-H (HITOMI) DEB (41443)
COSPAR: 2016-012M | Alt Name: ASTRO-H solar panel
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 2016
Launch Site
TANSC
Launch Pad
Y
Launch Vehicle
H-IIA 202
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
41443
International Designator
2016-012M
Decay Date
4/20/2016
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ASTRO-H (HITOMI) DEB
Alternative Name
ASTRO-H solar panel
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
JAXA/ISASJ
Country
Japan
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
0.003
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
High drag debris
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
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