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BLACK ARROW R/B (05581)
COSPAR: 1971-093B | Alt Name: Waxwing R-3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 28, 1971
Launch Site
WOMRA
Launch Pad
LA5B
Launch Vehicle
Black Arrow
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05581
International Designator
1971-093B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:08:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
82.04°
Right Ascension
296.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
249.46°
Period
102.81 min
Mean Motion
14.01 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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
BLACK ARROW R/B
Alternative Name
Waxwing R-3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RAE
Country
United Kingdom
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 05581U 71093B 26201.25587073 .00000724 00000+0 15542-3 0 9999
2 05581 82.0397 296.6633 0503378 249.4611 105.1872 14.00596327751237
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
1.3
Diameter
0.7
Span
1.3
Dry Mass
49
Launch Mass
49
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
0.7457
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Waxwing
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
BAL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Waxwing
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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