Space Brief 27 Aug 2025
Today's key space events include SpaceX's launch of the secretive X-37B military drone, XTAR's U.S. defense market strategy, and China's space station AI upgrade.
NOAA 17 DEB (48731)
COSPAR: 2002-032BQ | Alt Name: deb NOAA 17
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 24, 2002
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC4W
Launch Vehicle
Titan II SLV
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48731
International Designator
2002-032BQ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 09:57:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.82°
Right Ascension
170.52°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
229.80°
Period
99.58 min
Mean Motion
14.46 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NOAA 17 DEB
Alternative Name
deb NOAA 17
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NOAA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48731U 02032BQ 26185.41490735 .00006799 00000+0 19076-2 0 9990
2 48731 98.8174 170.5160 0028823 229.8000 130.0668 14.46076513275719
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.
Space Brief 11 Aug 2025
Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.
Space Brief 1 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the Space Force's AI integration, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor plans, ESA's Flight Ticket Initiative, Martian mantle revelations, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
Space Brief 22 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's 99th operational launch, China's calibration satellite launch, and Space Force's role in a commercial space age. Special spotlight on the satellite YAOGAN 1!
X Report 28 May 2025
Today marks significant milestones and setbacks for SpaceX as Starship Flight 9 completes a historic launch but ultimately suffers a loss of control. Additionally, a successful Starlink deployment continues to expand global internet coverage.
SpaceX Unveils Space Traffic Management System, Bahamas Landings Resume | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX unveils new space traffic management system for orbital coordination. Bahamas grants permission for rocket landings after Starship debris pause. Musk proposes lunar satellite catapult.
X Report 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces a setback with a Falcon 9 upper stage reentry issue, while NASA selects SpaceX for a new mission. Starlink expansions continue with multiple satellite launches.
SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief
SDA awards $3.5B in contracts for 72 Tracking Layer satellites to Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab. Terran Orbital selected for satellite bus production. Israel eyes 2026 defense growth.