Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
ATLAS R/B (08819)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: MSD plume shield
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 30, 1976
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
Unknown
Launch Vehicle
Unknown
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
08819
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
Unknown
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS R/B
Alternative Name
MSD plume shield
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NAVAIR
Country
United States
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
0.1
Diameter
1.8
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
20
Launch Mass
20
Shape
Disk
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
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.
Growing Threat of Space Junk
Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.
Space Force Raises Andromeda Contract to $6.2B for SSA Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force increased Andromeda contract ceiling to $6.2 billion for next-generation space situational awareness satellites replacing GSSAP and SILENTBARKER programs.
Space Brief 27 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's progress on the Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, BlackSky's new government contract, and AEI's policy recommendations for Space Force restructuring.
SpaceX Starfall Secret Capsule Targets Space Manufacturing | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's disk-shaped Starfall reentry vehicle debuts as the constellation hits 10,671 working satellites across low Earth orbit.
SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.
Space Force Stands Up SPACEFOR-NORTH for Homeland Defense | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force inaugurates SPACEFOR-NORTH at Peterson SFB for homeland defense. Viridian inks AFRL satellite agreement. HASC chair seeks $450B defense fund.
PrSM Used in Combat for First Time & Space Force Demands More Troops | KeepTrack Space Brief
CENTCOM confirms first-ever combat use of PrSM against Iranian targets. Space Force VP calls for aggressive end strength growth. Artemis II boosters on pad.