Space Brief 31 Aug 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
NORAD ID
00538
International Designator
1961-015FX
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:19:31 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
67.80°
Right Ascension
277.66°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
243.24°
Period
98.25 min
Mean Motion
14.66 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
THOR ABLESTAR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ablestar 008
Type
Status
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 00538U 61015FX 26184.76355398 .00005920 00000-0 11001-2 0 9997
2 00538 67.8041 277.6600 0011239 243.2388 116.7588 14.65723132366036
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.056
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
China successfully recovered a Long March 10C first stage booster, positioning the methalox rocket as its primary commercial launcher. Reusable boosters reshape Beijing's LEO constellation strategy.
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's plans following a record-breaking year, efforts to recover NASA's MAVEN orbiter, and the potential relocation of space shuttle Discovery.
Explore today's pivotal news in space with highlights on record government space budgets, military satellite developments, and significant industry shifts.
Crew-11 launch preparations ramp up, Starship propellant production begins, and a global launch roundup highlights upcoming missions.
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? 10,087 working of 10,097 on orbit, 11,612 launched to date, per KeepTrack data.
Twenty-one years ago, a golf cart-sized rover bounced to a stop inside a small crater on Mars, beginning one of the most remarkable chapters in space exploration history