Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, Pentagon's investment in defense technologies, and key military upgrades.
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR DEB (44685)
COSPAR: 2018-079AX | Alt Name: deb Centaur AV-073
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 17, 2018
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 551
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44685
International Designator
2018-079AX
Epoch
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:25:11 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
12.65°
Right Ascension
73.59°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
237.36°
Period
850.75 min
Mean Motion
1.69 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Centaur AV-073
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ULAL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 44685U 18079AX 26182.97582558 -.00000125 00000-0 00000+0 0 9998
2 44685 12.6477 73.5922 4532223 237.3593 70.6420 1.69262510 43757
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
ULAD
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 5 Oct 2025
SpaceX secures major contracts for U.S. national security launches, including multiple Falcon Heavy missions. Significant updates on Starlink deployments and the ongoing evolution of the company highlight a productive day in the space sector.
The Day Two Satellites Hit Each Other at 26,000 MPH
On February 10, 2009, an active Iridium communications satellite and a derelict Soviet military spacecraft slammed into each other 789 kilometers above Siberia. The collision produced more than 2,300 pieces of trackable debris that are still up there. Seventeen years later, the Iridium-Cosmos collision remains the event that made space debris a policy problem the world could no longer ignore.
Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
X Report 20 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, enhancing its constellation while continuing its leadership in satellite deployment for global internet coverage.
Falcon 9 Lands in Bahamas for 2nd Time, Reentry Pollution Measured | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX lands Falcon 9 in The Bahamas for the second time ever during Starlink 10-34 mission. Scientists measure rocket reentry air pollution in real-time for the first time.
X Report 22 Nov 2024
SpaceX edges closer to increased Starship launch approvals, secures lunar rover delivery, eyes potential military collaboration, and continues rapid satellite deployment.
Tianlong-3 Fails on Debut; SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Tianlong-3 rocket failed during ascent on debut launch Friday. SpaceX secured $178.5M Space Force contract for missile tracking satellite launches beginning 2027.