Lost 'Spy Satellite' rediscovered after 25 years in space
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Satellite Rediscovery
After 25 years of being lost in orbit, the US Space Force has located an experimental spy satellite named S73-7 Infra-Red Calibration Balloon (IRCB).
Cold War-Era Launch
The IRCB was launched in 1974 alongside a large Cold War-era spy satellite but malfunctioned upon deployment, failing to inflate to its intended size.
Disappearance and Rediscovery
Astronomers initially lost track of the satellite soon after its launch. It was briefly rediscovered in the 1990s before disappearing again. Now, after another 25 years, the 18th Space Defence Squadron has spotted it once more.
Announcement on Social Media
Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist from the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, announced the rediscovery on X, formerly known as Twitter, commending the analyst responsible for identifying the satellite.
Speculation on Satellite's Identity
McDowell suggests that the satellite might be a dispenser or a piece of the balloon that didn't deploy correctly, making it difficult to track using radar.
Limited Scientific Value
While the rediscovery itself holds little scientific significance, it sheds light on the challenge of tracking objects in Earth's orbit and highlights the growing issue of space debris.
Growing Space Junk Problem
The incident underscores the need for better tracking and management of objects in space, as Earth's orbit becomes increasingly congested with satellites and debris.
Implications for Space Exploration
As humanity ventures further into space, effective management of space debris will be crucial to ensuring the safety and sustainability of future space missions.