Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
CZ-6A DEB (61178)
COSPAR: 2024-140RY | Alt Name: deb CZ-6A Y21
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
61178
International Designator
2024-140RY
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:16:32 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
88.95°
Right Ascension
266.41°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
110.26°
Period
101.02 min
Mean Motion
14.25 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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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
Latest TLEs
1 61178U 24140RY 26201.13648814 .00000300 00000+0 11959-3 0 9990
2 61178 88.9535 266.4056 0041320 110.2565 250.3078 14.25450440 99183
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
SAST
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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