Space Brief 7 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include significant legal disputes in military satellite contracts, strategic investments in the defense space sector, and updates on major military budget developments impacting space capabilities.
CZ-2D DEB (44612)
COSPAR: 2017-060E | Alt Name: CZ-2D sep motor cover
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 9, 2017
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC603
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44612
International Designator
2017-060E
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:19:39 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.59°
Right Ascension
188.33°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
47.33°
Period
96.34 min
Mean Motion
14.95 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 44612U 17060E 26184.97198519 .00005502 00000-0 51219-3 0 9994
2 44612 97.5902 188.3288 0011651 47.3320 312.8880 14.94633381469395
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
Unknown
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.
X Report 9 Sep 2025
Important updates include SpaceX's $19 billion spectrum deal with EchoStar, a successful super heavy booster test, and recent setbacks in launching due to poor weather.
Nuclear Renaissance Surges in Space, Pentagon Invests $1B in L3Harris Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief
Demand surges for nuclear power in space including lunar surface reactors. Pentagon commits $1B as anchor investor in L3Harris missile unit. Orbion delivers 33 electric thrusters for military sats.
STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report
A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.
Space Brief 11 Nov 2024
SpaceX gears up for a Starlink launch from Florida amid ongoing space policy discussions. A closer look at the OneWeb satellite series in our Satellite Spotlight.
X Report 26 Nov 2024
SpaceX sets launch milestones with quick turnarounds and new Starlink deployments, while eyeing rapid Starship expansions next year.
X Report 3 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to expand its reach with the successful launch of more Starlink satellites while exploring innovative military applications for satellite communications.
X Report 9 Jun 2025
Tensions between SpaceX and the U.S. government escalate as President Trump's threats could have significant implications on the company's operations and future plans. Meanwhile, India takes a significant step in its space endeavors with a historic astronaut launch.