X Report 15 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, while Starship prepares for its ninth test flight next week.
GALAXY 1 R/B [PAM-D] (14168)
COSPAR: 1983-065C | Alt Name: Delta 170 PAM-D
DECAYED
Image
![GALAXY 1 R/B [PAM-D] Satellite Image](/images/sat/rocket3.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 28, 1983
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3920/PAM
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
14168
International Designator
1983-065C
Decay Date
7/16/1999
Basic Satellite Info
Name
GALAXY 1 R/B [PAM-D]
Alternative Name
Delta 170 PAM-D
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
2
Diameter
1.2
Span
2
Dry Mass
132
Launch Mass
2141
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
3.3336
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 48 S/N 10019-8
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 48
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.
Space Brief 18 Jan 2025
In today's brief: high-profile personnel changes in the Space Force, the inclusion of Space Force in historical political events, and strategic shifts in defense highlighted with a focus on satellite applications.
X Report 15 Feb 2025
SpaceX sets a reuse record with Falcon 9, advances Starship program, while Starlink influences satellite market dynamics.
Optical Intersatellite Link (OISL)
The laser-based crosslinks that turn Starlink into a mesh, anchor the SDA Transport Layer, and just made their GPS debut on GPS III SV10 - quietly rewriting how data moves through space.
X Report 1 Oct 2025
SpaceX gears up for significant upcoming launches while Starlink makes an impactful difference in disaster recovery efforts. Meanwhile, ESA and Avio reveal plans for competitive advancements in reusable rocket technology.
The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites
Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent
X Report 30 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to ramp up its operations with the launch of 29 more Starlink satellites, while significant upgrades at its Starbase facility signify ambitious future plans.
Space Brief 27 Aug 2025
Today's key space events include SpaceX's launch of the secretive X-37B military drone, XTAR's U.S. defense market strategy, and China's space station AI upgrade.