US Space Force Rediscovers Lost Satellite After 25 Years
In a fascinating game of cosmic hide-and-seek, the US Space Force has finally located a small experimental satellite that vanished from orbit an astonishing 25 years ago.
The Tale of the Missing Satellite
The satellite, known as S73-7 Infra-Red Calibration Balloon (IRCB), was originally launched in 1974 alongside a significant Cold War-era spy satellite. However, upon deployment, the IRCB encountered a malfunction, failing to inflate to its intended size and consequently becoming unusable for its intended purpose.
Lost and Found… and Lost Again
To compound its misfortune, astronomers swiftly lost track of the wayward satellite. Astonishingly, it was relocated in the 1990s, only to vanish from sight once more. Now, after another 25 years, the vigilant gaze of the 18th Space Defence Squadron has rediscovered the IRCB.
Rediscovery and Speculations
Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell from the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The S73-7 satellite has been rediscovered after being untracked for 25 years. New TLEs for object 7244 started appearing on April 25. Congratulations to whichever @18thSDS analyst made the identification.”
McDowell also speculated on the possible reasons behind the satellite’s extended disappearance, suggesting that it might not show up well on radar due to its material composition.
Lessons Learned and Challenges Ahead
While the rediscovery may hold limited scientific significance, it sheds light on the growing challenge of tracking numerous objects orbiting Earth. Moreover, it underscores the escalating issue of “space junk,” emphasizing the urgent need for improved tracking and management of our increasingly congested celestial vicinity.
