Space Brief 16 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers ULA's new mission for the US Space Force, China's moon rocket test, delays in the DARC radar system, and SpaceX's Starlink launches.
DELTA 1 R/B(2) (14196)
COSPAR: 1983-041D | Alt Name: Delta 168 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 28, 1983
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3914
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
14196
International Designator
1983-041D
Decay Date
6/15/1990
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Delta 168 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
5.59
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 37E S/N 40096
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.
X Report 6 May 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 250th mission from SLC-40, while Starlink experiences a surge during a crisis in Spain and Portugal. Additionally, SpaceX celebrates the official designation of Starbase City, aiming to boost launch capabilities.
SpaceX IPO Raises $75B at $135/Share on Nasdaq Debut | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's historic $75B IPO priced at $135/share launches SPCX on Nasdaq at a $1.77 trillion valuation — the largest IPO in history.
SpaceX IPO Terms Strip Investor Rights | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's reported IPO structure grants Elon Musk unchecked control and forces 220,000-GPU Colossus AI deal into the spotlight.
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.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during ground testing May 28, visible from hundreds of miles across Florida. Fireball halts vehicle pending failure investigation.
Space Brief 8 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.
Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
Designed for a two-year mission to catch gamma-ray bursts in the act, Swift is now 21 years old, slowly falling out of the sky, and the subject of an unprecedented private rescue mission. Nobody planned for it to be this hard to let go.