Space Brief 2 Apr 2025
DARPA's accidental SpaceX detection highlights Earth as a natural sensor, while SpaceX's Fram2 launches into a polar orbit. Helsinki's defense budget rise hints at increased military satellite activity.
M-3C R/B (07123)
COSPAR: 1974-008B | Alt Name: M-3C-1 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 16, 1974
Launch Site
KSCUT
Launch Pad
M
Launch Vehicle
Mu-3C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
07123
International Designator
1974-008B
Decay Date
1/21/1983
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
M-3C R/B
Alternative Name
M-3C-1 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ISAS
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
2.3
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.3
Dry Mass
180
Launch Mass
180
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
2.1272
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
M-3A
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NISS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
M-3A
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Skyroot's Vikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Breaks Indian Launch Monopoly, Space Brief 18 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket achieved orbit on July 18, becoming the first Indian commercial rocket to do so and breaking ISRO's launch monopoly.
Space Brief 16 Feb 2025
SpaceX's historic Falcon 9 flight launches 21 Starlink satellites, opening new milestones in space travel. Meanwhile, K2 Space achieves a funding breakthrough, and the first astronaut with a disability is set for a mission to the ISS.
Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit
We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.
Space Brief 3 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into military satellite advancements and significant contract awards for space platforms, alongside pivotal European missile warning systems.
Space Brief 5 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, the first wooden satellite launch, and updates on NASA's Voyager mission. Additionally, the Space Force's X-37B space plane showcases unique aerobraking strategies.
Space Brief 14 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Blue Origin's certification progress, a near-miss between a Chinese spacecraft and a Starlink satellite, SpaceX's latest Starlink launch and booster landing, potential IPO news from SpaceX, and advancements in Starlink integration with Tesla vehicles.
X Report 9 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with successful satellite launches and competitive maneuvering in the direct-to-device market, as AST SpaceMobile aligns with Verizon for space-based cellular services.