Following 25 years of being untracked, the satellite was recovered earlier this week, based on tracking data from the Space Force's 18th Space Defense Squadron.
McDowell said to Gizmodo over the phone, "The problem is that it possibly has a very low radar cross section."
. McDowell said to Gizmodo over the phone, "The problem is that it possibly has a very low radar cross section."
"And it's possible that the object they're tracking is a dispenser or a balloon fragment that malfunctioned, rendering it non-metallic and less visible on radar."
Over 20,000 objects are being tracked by ground-based radar and optical sensors, and this can be a challenging task.
While most things do not disclose their identities, there is a global network of sensors that provides data to a current satellite library. Rather,
Tracking satellites in geostationary orbit—a circular orbit directly above the equator—can be challenging because there are no radars positioned to monitor objects precisely on the equator.
Earth orbit gets more crowded with a growing number of satellite constellations and rocket launches, it’s become more crucial to keep track of all these objects
Select Red Wings eliminated from playoff race despite comeback victory against CanadiensRed Wings eliminated from playoff race despite comeback victory against Canadiens