Space Brief 26 Aug 2024
Today's briefing covers an exciting new satellite launch, a significant reentry, and unexpected space debris from a fragmentation event.
NIMBUS 2 DEB (59974)
COSPAR: 1966-040CD | Alt Name: Nimbus 2 debris
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 1966
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
75-1-1
Launch Vehicle
Thor SLV-2A Agena B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59974
International Designator
1966-040CD
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:02:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
100.14°
Right Ascension
1.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
101.53°
Period
107.13 min
Mean Motion
13.44 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
NIMBUS 2 DEB
Alternative Name
Nimbus 2 debris
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59974U 66040CD 26200.16839191 .00001122 00000+0 19996-2 0 9999
2 59974 100.1396 1.9325 0043757 101.5339 259.0708 13.44183402462085
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
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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