X Report 17 Apr 2025
Starbase expansion progresses and Germany eyes its own satellite constellation.
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR DEB (52973)
COSPAR: 2018-079GX | Alt Name: deb Centaur AV-073
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 17, 2018
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 551
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52973
International Designator
2018-079GX
Epoch
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:10:12 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
12.82°
Right Ascension
69.17°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
243.53°
Period
840.15 min
Mean Motion
1.71 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Centaur AV-073
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ULAL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52973U 18079GX 26166.88208377 -.00000119 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 52973 12.8193 69.1660 4510735 243.5335 63.6593 1.71398677 30408
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
ULAD
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 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
Space Brief 8 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the landing of the X-37B spaceplane after a 434-day mission, the postponement of SDA's satellite launch, and the fiery debris from SpaceX's Starship over The Bahamas.
X Report 17 Feb 2025
Key insights on Starship development challenges and latest Starlink satellite status.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.
X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
Space Brief 10 Dec 2024
Today's highlights include a new 5G demonstration launch on Firefly, potential supply chain interruptions in the defense sector, and updates on Artemis and ULA launches.
X Report 31 Dec 2025
Vandenberg Space Force Base opens a new launch site that may accommodate SpaceX's Starship. Meanwhile, Starlink continues to expand its service capabilities.