The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
THORAD AGENA D DEB (05868)
COSPAR: 1969-082JZ | Alt Name: deb Agena D
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 1969
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC1W
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05868
International Designator
1969-082JZ
Decay Date
10/23/1979
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
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
0.0024
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.
X Report 5 Jun 2025
SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its 500th Falcon launch and the continued expansion of Starlink connectivity.
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.
Esrange Spaceport
Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.
X Report 23 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues its robust launch cadence with new Starlink deployments and faces challenges in Starship development following the recent damage to its prototype booster.
X Report 3 Jun 2025
SpaceX gears up for an exciting week with multiple launches, including a crewed mission and the rescheduled Starlink delivery. Meanwhile, ULA faces criticism from the Space Force over delays in its Vulcan rocket program.
Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit
We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.
X Report 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces a setback with a Falcon 9 upper stage reentry issue, while NASA selects SpaceX for a new mission. Starlink expansions continue with multiple satellite launches.