In 1974, a tiny satellite named IRCB was launched into orbit but went missing soon after. Astronomers lost track of the satellite shortly after its launch, rediscovered it briefly in the 1990s, and then lost sight of it again. After 25 years, the 18th Space Defense Squadron has located the IRCB once more.
Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics confirmed the rediscovery on social media, noting that the satellite had been untracked for a quarter of a century. Despite the limited scientific value of this find, it underscores the challenge of tracking the numerous objects orbiting Earth and emphasizes the need for better management of space debris. As our cosmic neighborhood becomes increasingly crowded with satellites and debris, incidents like the disappearance and rediscovery of IRCB serve as a reminder of the importance of monitoring and addressing the growing issue of space junk. Better tracking and management practices are essential to prevent collisions and potential damage to existing satellites and spacecraft operating in orbit.