Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.
CZ-6A DEB (61165)
COSPAR: 2024-140RK | Alt Name: deb CZ-6A Y21
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 6, 2024
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
TYSC -
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 6A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61165
International Designator
2024-140RK
Decay Date
4/4/2025
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-6A DEB
Alternative Name
deb CZ-6A Y21
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SAST
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.
Space Force Eyes 30,000 Satellites by 2040 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects 30,000-satellite orbital architecture by 2040 amid combat integration revelations. Gen. Saltzman confirms space operations were critical in Iran conflict.
X Report 12 Nov 2024
SpaceX prepares for a monumental sixth Starship test flight while achieving a historic Falcon 9 booster landing. Meanwhile, a Starlink satellite lights up the night sky as it reenters Earth's atmosphere.
X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
X Report 23 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to break records with its Falcon 9 missions while facing public scrutiny from Elon Musk regarding NASA's leadership. Meanwhile, satellite spectrum battles heat up as Lynk Global and Omnispace prepare to merge.
Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.
10,374 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 May 2026
Starlink satellites in orbit May 2026: 10,374, with 10,358 working. Mission 17-29 lifts 24 more from Vandenberg and a satellite films the Starlink train.
Your Phone Already Talks to Space
SpaceX quietly built the world's largest 4G network without a single cell tower. Over 650 satellites now connect standard smartphones directly from orbit, and most people carrying compatible phones don't know the service exists.