Space Brief 20 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief focuses on multi-billion dollar contracts for missile-tracking satellites, developments in optical nuclear clock research, and innovative drone projects for military collaboration.
THORAD AGENA D DEB (04659)
COSPAR: 1970-025AT | Alt Name: deb Agena D
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 8, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04659
International Designator
1970-025AT
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:02:06 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
100.09°
Right Ascension
309.36°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
207.72°
Period
103.30 min
Mean Motion
13.94 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04659U 70025AT 26184.79312784 .00001754 00000-0 13653-2 0 9997
2 04659 100.0932 309.3590 0012037 207.7236 152.3281 13.93963907810988
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
0.0773
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.
MDA and Hanwha Partner on South Korea K-LEO Defense Network | KeepTrack Space Brief
MDA Space and Hanwha target South Korea's K-LEO defense satellite network. House passes $839B defense bill. Pentagon picks 25 vendors for $150M drone competition.
Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
JSC Vimpel
An analysis of Russia's independent space tracking system and how it compares to the established U.S. Space Surveillance Network
Space Brief 21 Aug 2024
Recent Starlink launches, autonomous navigation for satellite swarms, major funding for asteroid mining, and insights into NASA's various projects and developments.
Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026
Falcon 9 booster reuse record: SpaceX's most-flown booster flew a 33rd flight Feb 21 with 28 Starlink V2 Minis. Two launches in a day; 9,779 on orbit.
X Report 21 Oct 2025
NASA considers opening the Artemis 3 lander to new bids as delays surface, while SpaceX gears up for multiple Falcon 9 launches this week and secures a redevelopment nod for SLC-6.
Space Brief 10 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers significant events, including advancements in US missile warning systems, SpaceX's Florida Starship plans, a European rocket's success, and NASA's upcoming missions.