Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
THORAD DELTA 1 DEB (08555)
COSPAR: 1974-089CS | Alt Name: deb Delta 104
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 15, 1974
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2310
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
08555
International Designator
1974-089CS
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:27:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
101.41°
Right Ascension
301.38°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
3.71°
Period
114.62 min
Mean Motion
12.56 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THORAD DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 104
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 08555U 74089CS 26185.26906544 .00000595 00000-0 38329-2 0 9995
2 08555 101.4100 301.3765 0060347 3.7105 23.7466 12.56372549355570
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
0.0511
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.
The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
Space Brief 2 Jan 2025
Today's recap covers SpaceX's role in record launch numbers, the FCC's spectrum allocation for launches, and the historical portrayal of the Ingenuity helicopter.
Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,087, X Report 22 Mar 2026
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? 10,087 working of 10,097 on orbit, 11,612 launched to date, per KeepTrack data.
X Report 25 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites successfully, while Starbase inches closer to city status and business discussions intensify.
Space Brief 26 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.
The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
MDA Space Buys Blue Canyon for $620M, Space Brief 20 Jun 2026
MDA Space acquires Blue Canyon Technologies for $620 million, and NASA's 2028 Aeolus Mars orbiter goes to a California startup instead of SpaceX.