Space Brief 8 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the landing of the X-37B spaceplane after a 434-day mission, the postponement of SDA's satellite launch, and the fiery debris from SpaceX's Starship over The Bahamas.
ORBCOMM FM16 DEB (44022)
COSPAR: 1998-046R | Alt Name: deb Orbcomm FM16
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 2, 1998
Launch Site
ERAS
Launch Pad
RW04/22
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL/HAPS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44022
International Designator
1998-046R
Decay Date
3/15/2021
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ORBCOMM FM16 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Orbcomm FM16
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ORBC
Country
United States
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
OSCG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Microstar
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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