Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
CZ-3B DEB (42459)
COSPAR: 2010-042AA | Alt Name: deb CZ-3B Y13
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 4, 2010
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42459
International Designator
2010-042AA
Epoch
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:22:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
27.49°
Right Ascension
321.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
238.99°
Period
770.01 min
Mean Motion
1.87 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-3B DEB
Alternative Name
deb CZ-3B Y13
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 42459U 10042AA 26061.80757901 -.00000288 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 42459 27.4941 321.4817 7260773 238.9864 31.0593 1.87009469 76649
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
0.1836
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CALT
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
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