Space Brief 18 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights recent launches and failures, including an Indian radar satellite setback, successful Rocket Lab missions, and China's debut of upgraded rocket technology.
TITAN 3A TRANSTAGE R/B (01359)
COSPAR: 1965-034A | Alt Name: Titan 3A Ballast
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 1965
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC20
Launch Vehicle
Titan IIIA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
01359
International Designator
1965-034A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:59:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
32.12°
Right Ascension
185.82°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
129.31°
Period
157.01 min
Mean Motion
9.17 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
TITAN 3A TRANSTAGE R/B
Alternative Name
Titan 3A Ballast
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 01359U 65034A 26200.87457773 .00000004 00000+0 -24836-3 0 9994
2 01359 32.1166 185.8159 0495508 129.3143 235.2332 09.17132330 51656
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
2
Diameter
1
Span
2
Dry Mass
124
Launch Mass
124
Shape
Irr
Radar Cross Section
15.0902
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
MM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
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
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