Space Brief 24 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.
THOR BURNER 2 R/B (05556)
COSPAR: 1971-087B | Alt Name: Burner IIA No. 10 US SV-1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 14, 1971
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC10W
Launch Vehicle
Thor Burner 2A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05556
International Designator
1971-087B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:38:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
99.11°
Right Ascension
170.62°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
67.17°
Period
101.12 min
Mean Motion
14.24 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR BURNER 2 R/B
Alternative Name
Burner IIA No. 10 US SV-1
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 05556U 71087B 26200.86029455 .00000050 00000+0 41313-4 0 9993
2 05556 99.1073 170.6212 0062904 67.1744 293.6061 14.24049240839187
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
Diameter
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
115
Launch Mass
353
Shape
Truss + Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
1.1664
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 26B S/N 001 (SV-1)
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 26
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.
Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
X Report 23 Dec 2024
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone in its satellite internet constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket was also successfully recovered at sea.
X Report 2 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers Starlink's role in disaster recovery in the Philippines, insights into the evolving direct-to-device market, and news of European plans for a reusable upper stage rocket inspired by SpaceX's Starship.
Space Brief 6 Jun 2025
Today's space news features significant discussions on the funding of Space Force, advancements in hypersonic technology, and the potential impacts of spectrum auction plans on border defense systems.
X Report 4 Mar 2025
SpaceX faces a series of challenges with scrubbing the Starship Flight 8 launch and losing a Falcon 9 booster post-landing, while successfully deploying new Starlink satellites.
Europe's First Starlink Direct-to-Smartphone Service Goes Live | KeepTrack X Report
Virgin Media O2 launches Europe's first Starlink direct-to-smartphone service in the UK. SpaceX launches 29 more Starlink satellites. Dragon cargo capsule returns after 6-month ISS mission.
X Report 19 Feb 2025
SpaceX achieves a new milestone with a Falcon 9 landing near The Bahamas, closely following Rocket Lab's successful satellite launch.