This object was launched in 1974 as part of the US Air Force space program and was supposed to be an infrared target. However, due to a failed deployment, the satellite was no longer visible to radars on the ground.
Professor Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics states that the satellite is difficult to detect due to its unusual design and small amount of metal, making it difficult to see on radar.
In addition, the accumulation of space debris around the Earth significantly complicates the process of identifying such objects.
The satellite was detected again on April 25, thanks to the efforts of an analyst pseudonymous 18thSDS, who was able to obtain new data on its orbit.
Source: Ferra
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