Space Brief 21 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.
THOR ABLESTAR DEB (00659)
COSPAR: 1961-015HL | 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
00659
International Designator
1961-015HL
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:46:33 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
67.16°
Right Ascension
67.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.48°
Period
113.67 min
Mean Motion
12.67 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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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 00659U 61015HL 26184.65732851 -.00000013 00000-0 10936-3 0 9998
2 00659 67.1616 67.3679 0589697 278.4810 103.5255 12.66846248993112
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
0.0565
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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