Space Brief 15 May 2025
Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.
NOAA 17 DEB (49478)
COSPAR: 2002-032DG | 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
49478
International Designator
2002-032DG
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:50:32 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.85°
Right Ascension
220.18°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
128.21°
Period
98.09 min
Mean Motion
14.68 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 49478U 02032DG 26184.32676086 .00012604 00000-0 22003-2 0 9990
2 49478 98.8477 220.1784 0008274 128.2114 231.9835 14.68080479266733
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 30 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.
X Report 23 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its Bandwagon-3 mission, while Ukraine explores Starlink alternatives.
Space Brief 13 Mar 2025
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.
X Report 18 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for a historic Falcon 9 landing attempt in The Bahamas, while also contributing to FAA air traffic control modernization.
Space Brief 19 Jun 2025
Discover key developments in space defense and military operations, including new leadership for Space Force's 'Golden Dome,' SpaceX's contract for a military SATCOM network, and increased Israeli-Iranian missile activity.
Space Brief 22 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers a reveal from the US Space Force of the X-37B space plane in orbit, a developing defense shakeup involving key military leaders, confirmation of advanced federated ICAM connections by the DoD, and SAAB's plan for a Euro defense coalition. Plus, we spotlight the BDSAT-2 CubeSat.
X Report 4 Feb 2025
Canada reconsiders Starlink contract amidst US tariff delays, and new concerns arise over falling space debris.