X Report 3 Jan 2025
SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.
THOR ABLESTAR DEB (00648)
COSPAR: 1961-015GZ | Alt Name: deb Ablestar 008
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00648
International Designator
1961-015GZ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:24:53 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
65.87°
Right Ascension
351.62°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
218.39°
Period
105.91 min
Mean Motion
13.60 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR ABLESTAR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ablestar 008
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 00648U 61015GZ 26184.47561385 .00000565 00000-0 75596-3 0 9992
2 00648 65.8739 351.6227 0202652 218.3872 173.0244 13.59667085201196
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
0.072
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 10 Apr 2025
Key topics today include the US Space Force's new international strategy, China's partnership with Pakistan for astronaut training, and conservation concerns over SpaceX landing proposals.
SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches Starlink while debuting on Nasdaq at $1.77 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, Senate FY2027 NDAA would dissolve SDA into Space Force, affecting Tranche constellation tracking.
Space Brief 5 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers developments in US military space initiatives, advancements in missile technology, and notable military contractor activities.
Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.
Space Brief 18 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.
Space Brief 23 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights a significant increase in the Pentagon's AI budget, upgrades at the Tiangong space station, cyber threats to satellite operations, and the Moon and Venus conjunction.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.