Space Brief 26 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.
THOR BURNER 2 R/B (04048)
COSPAR: 1969-062B | Alt Name: Burner II No. 7
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 23, 1969
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC10W
Launch Vehicle
Thor Burner 2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04048
International Designator
1969-062B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:07:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
98.34°
Right Ascension
27.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
331.20°
Period
100.54 min
Mean Motion
14.32 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR BURNER 2 R/B
Alternative Name
Burner II No. 7
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04048U 69062B 26200.46360810 .00000057 00000+0 36486-4 0 9999
2 04048 98.3442 27.7844 0040701 331.1979 28.6958 14.32268600969223
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
1.7
Diameter
1.6
Span
1.7
Dry Mass
154
Launch Mass
154
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
1.602
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 37B
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 37
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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