Space Brief 29 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers closer military and intelligence space integration, new satellite servicing advancements, and more insightful defense and space news.
DELTA 1 R/B (01983)
COSPAR: 1966-008B | Alt Name: Delta 36 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 3, 1966
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
01983
International Designator
1966-008B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:18:58 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.03°
Right Ascension
117.62°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
352.93°
Period
98.04 min
Mean Motion
14.69 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B
Alternative Name
Delta 36 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 01983U 66008B 26200.72150860 .00000514 00000+0 94191-4 0 9997
2 01983 98.0296 117.6218 0063426 352.9341 7.0964 14.68766404177413
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
1.5
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
60
Launch Mass
60
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.572
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Altair 2 X-258C4 RH-88
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ABL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Altair
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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