NASA Expands SpaceX Crew Contract as Boeing Stalls | KeepTrack X Report
NASA adds crew missions to SpaceX's contract as Boeing Starliner certification stalls, while Falcon 9 hits its 60th orbital launch of 2026.
THOR ABLESTAR R/B (00953)
COSPAR: 1964-083A | Alt Name: Ablestar 017
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 13, 1964
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
75-1-2
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00953
International Designator
1964-083A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:20:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
90.03°
Right Ascension
193.25°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
344.23°
Period
105.97 min
Mean Motion
13.59 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR ABLESTAR R/B
Alternative Name
Ablestar 017
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 00953U 64083A 26200.47288251 .00000028 00000+0 25155-4 0 9996
2 00953 90.0339 193.2458 0030967 344.2309 129.0092 13.58840093 52961
Source: Celestrak
Summary
A rocket body, also commonly referred to as an upper stage or spent rocket stage, is the structural shell left behind after a rocket has delivered its payload to orbit. These large and often heavy pieces of space hardware can remain in orbit for years, posing significant collision hazards as part of the growing space debris problem. If left uncontrolled, rocket bodies have the potential to reenter Earth's atmosphere unpredictably, which can lead to falling debris in populated areas. Additionally, they risk colliding with operational satellites or the International Space Station, creating more debris and putting human life at risk.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.8
Diameter
1.4
Span
4.8
Dry Mass
600
Launch Mass
670
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
3.3725
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
AJ10-104D
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
AJ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ablestar
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 17 Sep 2025
Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.
X Report 10 May 2025
SpaceX continues its rapid launch cadence by deploying 28 Starlink satellites while expanding its service with collaborations such as United Airlines and Entel in Chile.
When Will SpaceX Go Public?
As SpaceX continues to make groundbreaking advancements in the space industry, investors are eagerly anticipating the company's potential IPO. Learn about the factors influencing SpaceX's decision to go public and the estimated timeline for this highly anticipated event.
X Report 18 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while preparing for the upcoming Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Significant progress continues in their ongoing space endeavors.
US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief
US military praised for space operations against Iran assessed as jamming or spoofing satellite communications. Electronic warfare effects invisible to orbital tracking data.
Space Brief 6 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant hypersonic flight by Stratolaunch, the US Space Force's missile warning upgrades, and major government space investments.
X Report 30 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up the year with significant launches, including a record-setting Astranis deployment and Starlink missions signaling the year's end.