Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
OPS 9442 (DSCS 2-12) DEB (59992)
COSPAR: 1978-113H | Alt Name: DSCS II F-12 debris
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 14, 1978
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan IIIC
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59992
International Designator
1978-113H
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:26:53 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
8.28°
Right Ascension
302.68°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
109.15°
Period
1464.44 min
Mean Motion
0.98 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 9442 (DSCS 2-12) DEB
Alternative Name
DSCS II F-12 debris
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59992U 78113H 26199.93533627 -.00000023 00000+0 00000+0 0 9993
2 59992 8.2800 302.6822 0233348 109.1485 266.1362 00.98331230 59209
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
MM
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.
The Feasibility of Transitioning from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine
As Ukraine explores alternatives to SpaceX's Starlink, the potential adoption of Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite network raises critical questions about connectivity, resilience, and strategic autonomy.
X Report 20 Dec 2024
SpaceX gears up for multiple significant missions while managing a Crew Dragon delay. Vast Space partners with SpaceX for ISS missions, and Lunar landers prepare for lift-offs.
X Report 18 Dec 2025
SpaceX carried out a double-header Starlink launch from both coasts while milestones from Max Space and Lux Aeterna signal growth in the commercial space sector.
X Report 4 Dec 2024
SpaceX's Falcon 9 achieves a milestone with its 24th launch for Starlink, while competitive moves continue in the satellite internet market.
NASA Awards SpaceX 6 More Crew Missions as Boeing Stalls | KeepTrack X Report
NASA is adding 6 post-certification crew missions to SpaceX's contract as Boeing remains unable to certify Starliner for operational flights.
X Report 10 Mar 2025
SpaceX plans first Starship launch from Florida, and prepares for NASA’s SPHEREx and PUNCH missions from Vandenberg.
Space Brief 10 May 2025
Today's brief covers Rocket Lab's Neutron being selected for military tests, Space Force's strategic updates, Germany's SAR satellite plans, and a significant NASA nomination.