Space Brief 31 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant GPS satellite launch by SpaceX, China's classified satellite mission, and Rocket Lab's strategic steps in the defense sector.
DELTA 1 DEB (07042)
COSPAR: 1973-086AJ | Alt Name: deb Delta 98
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 6, 1973
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 0300
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
07042
International Designator
1973-086AJ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:25:37 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
101.72°
Right Ascension
77.00°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
37.79°
Period
106.79 min
Mean Motion
13.48 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 98
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 07042U 73086AJ 26184.68445862 .00001033 00000-0 12883-2 0 9992
2 07042 101.7241 77.0032 0317986 37.7867 324.5132 13.48378289564460
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
0.1028
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.
SpinLaunch's Kinetic Launch System
How a California startup's massive centrifuge could transform space access by eliminating rocket fuel, reducing costs by 70%, and enabling daily satellite launches - if it can overcome the physics of scaling from suborbital tests to orbital reality
Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force executes first tactical orbital intercept under Victus Haze mission using commercial spacecraft. Rendezvous and proximity operations now operationally demonstrated.
Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.
Space Brief 27 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers next-generation missile defense strategies, NASA's Dream Chaser contract updates, and technological advances in Air Force cyber defense.
Space Brief 24 Aug 2024
Blue Origin prepares for New Shepard flight, SpaceX completes second launch tower, Supreme Court ruling impacts space debris regulations, and updates on lunar habitats and NASA personnel. Plus, featuring CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA) as our Satellite of the Day.
Space Brief 4 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include the release of a mystery object by Russian military satellites, SpaceX Fram2 mission insights, Amazon's upcoming satellite launch, and more.
The Day NASA Chose Its First Space Pioneers
Sixty-four years ago, NASA made a decision that would shape the future of human spaceflight by selecting three astronauts to compete for America's first journey into space