Space Brief 27 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's progress on the Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, BlackSky's new government contract, and AEI's policy recommendations for Space Force restructuring.
CZ-4B DEB (49963)
COSPAR: 2021-122C | Alt Name: Adapter
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 10, 2021
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC43/94
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49963
International Designator
2021-122C
Decay Date
10/29/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4B DEB
Alternative Name
Adapter
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
1
Diameter
2.9
Span
2.9
Dry Mass
50
Launch Mass
50
Shape
Cone
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.
The Day America Reached Orbit
Sixty-three years ago, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, piloting Friendship 7 through three historic orbits that transformed the Space Race
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.
X Report 13 Feb 2025
SpaceX and NASA swap Crew Dragon for Crew-10 mission; exciting 'space jellyfish' phenomena from recent launch.
X Report 3 Apr 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX's Fram2 mission and the pivotal role of biotech in space exploration.
The Day Earth Became a Pale Blue Dot
Thirty-five years ago, Voyager 1 captured a revolutionary series of images from the edge of our solar system, forever changing how humanity sees its place in the cosmos
The Feasibility of Transitioning from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine
As Ukraine explores alternatives to SpaceX's Starlink, the potential adoption of Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite network raises critical questions about connectivity, resilience, and strategic autonomy.