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Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.
THORAD AGENA D R/B (04159)
COSPAR: 1969-082AB | Alt Name: Agena D 2706
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 1969
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC1W
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04159
International Designator
1969-082AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:59:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
69.96°
Right Ascension
160.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.57°
Period
104.89 min
Mean Motion
13.73 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
THORAD AGENA D R/B
Alternative Name
Agena D 2706
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04159U 69082AB 26200.62465198 -.00000003 00000+0 49253-4 0 9995
2 04159 69.9615 160.9357 0117472 278.5652 80.2144 13.72915789843034
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
6.3
Diameter
1.5
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
600
Launch Mass
600
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
4.2326
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Agena D
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMSC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Agena D
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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