Space Brief 31 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
CZ-2D DEB (43487)
COSPAR: 2018-048D | Alt Name: CZ-2D sep motor cover
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 2, 2018
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC603
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43487
International Designator
2018-048D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:15:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.61°
Right Ascension
191.15°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
11.23°
Period
96.62 min
Mean Motion
14.90 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-2D DEB
Alternative Name
CZ-2D sep motor cover
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43487U 18048D 26184.96909647 .00005150 00000-0 53149-3 0 9994
2 43487 97.6106 191.1468 0025913 11.2266 348.9525 14.90353754436544
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
0.2
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.2
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Cone
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
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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