Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
SCOUT A R/B (04515)
COSPAR: 1970-067B | Alt Name: Scout S176C Stage 4
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 27, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC5
Launch Vehicle
Scout A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04515
International Designator
1970-067B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:21:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
90.02°
Right Ascension
234.33°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
112.60°
Period
106.69 min
Mean Motion
13.50 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SCOUT A R/B
Alternative Name
Scout S176C Stage 4
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LARCN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04515U 70067B 26200.55667538 .00000004 00000+0 -10836-4 0 9996
2 04515 90.0157 234.3283 0175177 112.6035 48.6655 13.49676790749703
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
43
Launch Mass
43
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.5956
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Altair 2 X-258E5 ABL-149
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 17 Dec 2024
SpaceX executes a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, Starlink extends its reach with a beta smartphone connectivity service by T-Mobile, and Starship approaches its seventh launch with readiness milestones.
Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force selects 14 companies for $1.8 billion Andromeda program to replace GSSAP geosynchronous surveillance satellites with commercial alternatives through 2036.
Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned
On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.
Hayabusa | The Crippled Falcon That Carried an Asteroid Home
Sixteen years ago today, a fireball tore across the Australian outback. Most of it was a dying Japanese spacecraft burning up after a seven-year ordeal. The bright dot racing ahead of the wreckage was a capsule holding the first grains of an asteroid ever returned to Earth.
X Report 25 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched NASA's TRACERS mission while Starlink faced a brief global outage, affecting users worldwide.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.
SpaceX Acquires xAI, Amazon Buys 10 More Falcon 9 Launches | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX officially acquires xAI for orbital data centers. Amazon buys 10 additional Falcon 9 launches for Project Kuiper. Starlink helps Iranian protesters bypass blackout.