Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
ATLAS R/B (11279)
COSPAR: 1979-017B | Alt Name: OIS
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 24, 1979
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas F/OIS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11279
International Designator
1979-017B
Decay Date
10/11/1983
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS R/B
Alternative Name
OIS
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
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
Diameter
1.3
Span
1.3
Dry Mass
140
Launch Mass
140
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
2.68
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 27 TE-M-616-11 S/N 0034
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
FAIR
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
OIS
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.
Kratos Wins $447M Space Force MEO Missile Tracking Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
Kratos awarded $447 million Space Force contract for Resilient Missile Warning Tracking ground ops center in Medium Earth Orbit, shifting missile detection away from vulnerable GEO satellites.
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.
Space Force Awards $437M to Viasat, SES for Military Satcom | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Four new GEO satellites replace vulnerable single-satellite systems.
Space Brief 16 May 2025
Today's brief covers challenges in Space Force procurement, promising developments in tracking technologies, and significant budget cuts affecting military aerospace projects.
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.
The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
X Report 12 Jul 2025
SpaceX prepares for the Crew-11 astronaut mission launch, while Starlink continues to expand its satellite network in orbit.