Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
DELTA 1 R/B(2) (10723)
COSPAR: 1978-012C | Alt Name: Delta 138 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 26, 1978
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2914
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
10723
International Designator
1978-012C
Decay Date
2/22/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Delta 138 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
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
1.7
Diameter
0.9
Span
1.7
Dry Mass
112
Launch Mass
1152
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
1.9006
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 37E S/N 40062
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 37
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.
SpaceX Preps First February Starlink Launch, Orbital Data Centers Gain Traction | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starlink 17-32 launch of 25 satellites from Vandenberg. Orbital data center economics draw attention from Musk and Bezos. 9,614 Starlink sats on orbit.
X Report 23 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to break records with its Falcon 9 missions while facing public scrutiny from Elon Musk regarding NASA's leadership. Meanwhile, satellite spectrum battles heat up as Lynk Global and Omnispace prepare to merge.
X Report 9 Jan 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX as Starshield satellites prepare for launch, Starship Flight 7 faces a short delay, and new Starlink satellites enter orbit.
X Report 17 Dec 2025
SpaceX prepares for a busy launch schedule with key upgrades at Starbase and notable Starlink missions. Recent close approaches in orbit underscore the complexities of satellite operations.
JSC Vimpel
An analysis of Russia's independent space tracking system and how it compares to the established U.S. Space Surveillance Network
X Report 20 Dec 2024
SpaceX gears up for multiple significant missions while managing a Crew Dragon delay. Vast Space partners with SpaceX for ISS missions, and Lunar landers prepare for lift-offs.
SpaceX Buys Cursor AI for $60B After IPO, X Report 17 Jun 2026
SpaceX acquires Cursor AI maker Anysphere for $60B in its first post-IPO deal, as Falcon 9 lofts 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile.