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.
THORAD AGENA D DEB (05504)
COSPAR: 1970-025LH | Alt Name: deb Agena D
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 8, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05504
International Designator
1970-025LH
Decay Date
6/23/1991
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
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
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0321
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Wins $739M for Nine National Security Launches, FCC Adds 7,500 Starlink Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX awarded $739M for nine national security missions. FCC approves 7,500 additional Starlink satellites. NASA announces early Crew-11 return from ISS due to medical issue.
Space Force Requests $1.6B for New LEO Relay Network | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force scraps SDA transport layer, requests $1.6 billion for proliferated LEO SATCOM constellation. Roger Mason nominated to lead NRO.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
X Report 16 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for another busy week with a Falcon 9 launch to the ISS while Vast Space expands its Haven-1 payload roster.
The Kessler Syndrome
The Kessler Syndrome threatens humanity's future in space as cascading satellite collisions create exponential debris growth. With 36,000+ tracked objects and recent incidents accelerating risks, we face a critical juncture: implement solutions now or potentially lose access to low Earth orbit forever.
Space Brief 16 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include Pulsar Fusion's groundbreaking nuclear rocket plans, partnerships for the Haven-1 space station, and a spotlight on military collaboration in quantum technology.
The Day NASA Chose Its First Space Pioneers
Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space