DELTA 1 R/B(2) (13915)

COSPAR: 1978-116C | Alt Name: Delta 147 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
DELTA 1 R/B(2) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 16, 1978

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3914

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

13915

International Designator

1978-116C

Decay Date

12/23/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B(2)

Alternative Name

Delta 147 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

83

Launch Mass

1123

Shape

Sphere + Cone

Radar Cross Section

4.81

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Star 37E S/N 40070

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.

A Celebration of Earth Day | Photos of Home

A Celebration of Earth Day | Photos of Home

For 56 years, April 22 has been the day the world stops to look at itself. Before that was possible, someone had to invent the view. This is the story of how we first saw Earth from the outside, from a crashed V-2 camera in the New Mexico desert to the Blue Marble that still hangs on classroom walls.

Iran Strikes UAE and Saudi Targets, Space Force Opens Tracking to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief

Iran Strikes UAE and Saudi Targets, Space Force Opens Tracking to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief

Iran launches drones and missiles at UAE and Saudi targets. Space Force opens secretive tracking data to commercial firms. Falcon 9 breakup linked to lithium pollution in upper atmosphere.

X Report 31 Dec 2025

X Report 31 Dec 2025

Vandenberg Space Force Base opens a new launch site that may accommodate SpaceX's Starship. Meanwhile, Starlink continues to expand its service capabilities.

FAA Advances Approval for 44 Starship Launches From Pad 39A | KeepTrack X Report

FAA Advances Approval for 44 Starship Launches From Pad 39A | KeepTrack X Report

FAA advances environmental review for up to 44 Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center pad 39A. SpaceX wraps January with dual-coast Starlink launches. Crew-12 timeline tied to Artemis 2 schedule.

Space Brief 20 Apr 2025

Space Brief 20 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include advances in space tracking technology by the US Space Force, SpaceX's infrastructure expansion, and a spectacular birthday landing on Earth. Additionally, we spotlight a significant exoplanetary discovery and satellite updates.

Space Brief 17 Jun 2025

Space Brief 17 Jun 2025

Today's space brief covers key developments in satellite monitoring, U.K. defense contracts, and critical licensing reforms supporting national security.

Space Brief 26 Mar 2025

Space Brief 26 Mar 2025

Today's briefing covers the US Space Force's pivotal journeys, emerging hypersonic weaponry, and innovative drone technologies, with a special satellite update featuring Jackal X-1L-001.

Pentagon Reveals Space & Cyber "First Mover" Role in Iran Operations | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Reveals Space & Cyber "First Mover" Role in Iran Operations | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space & Cyber Command disrupted Iran ops as US munition stockpiles drop. Space Force shifts to commercial ground stations & faces acquisition workforce gaps.