Space Brief 31 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant GPS satellite launch by SpaceX, China's classified satellite mission, and Rocket Lab's strategic steps in the defense sector.
OPS 4682 DEB (51489)
COSPAR: 1965-027FZ | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 3, 1965
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
PALC2-4
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3 Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51489
International Designator
1965-027FZ
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:25:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
90.24°
Right Ascension
7.73°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
171.43°
Period
111.30 min
Mean Motion
12.94 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 4682 DEB
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
Unknown
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51489U 65027FZ 26199.43429729 .00000046 00000+0 13901-3 0 9990
2 51489 90.2438 7.7298 0027166 171.4318 188.7270 12.93812524480669
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
N/A
Diameter
N/A
Span
N/A
Dry Mass
N/A
Launch Mass
N/A
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
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