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
DELTA 1 DEB (42589)
COSPAR: 1973-086JD | Alt Name: deb Delta 98
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 6, 1973
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 0300
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42589
International Designator
1973-086JD
Epoch
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:09:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
102.58°
Right Ascension
351.43°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
248.99°
Period
110.21 min
Mean Motion
13.07 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 98
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 42589U 73086JD 26174.29827978 -.00000050 00000-0 22762-4 0 9993
2 42589 102.5813 351.4292 0316510 248.9914 107.7058 13.06639874600673
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
0.0193
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
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