Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
THORAD AGENA D DEB (04231)
COSPAR: 1969-082CN | Alt Name: deb Agena D
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 1969
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC1W
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04231
International Designator
1969-082CN
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:29:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
70.27°
Right Ascension
87.42°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
49.87°
Period
99.21 min
Mean Motion
14.52 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04231U 69082CN 26184.72874787 .00002027 00000-0 51890-3 0 9993
2 04231 70.2748 87.4208 0028117 49.8665 310.4929 14.51515253954116
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
0.0605
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.
Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
X Report 8 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for distinctive Starship tests and milestone Starlink deployments as the new year takes off.
Space Brief 17 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers crucial satellite events including upcoming launches, military space developments, and exceptional celestial sightings.
Space Brief 26 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers the US Space Force's pivotal journeys, emerging hypersonic weaponry, and innovative drone technologies, with a special satellite update featuring Jackal X-1L-001.
X Report 24 Oct 2025
SpaceX achieves a new milestone with its record 139th launch of the year while competition heats up in satellite communications.
Artemis II Crew Sets Human Distance Record at Moon | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis II crew surpassed Apollo 13's distance record during April 6 lunar flyby. Orion carried 4 astronauts—including Canadian Jeremy Hansen—farther from Earth than any humans.