DELTA 1 R/B (14235)

COSPAR: 1983-077B | Alt Name: Delta 171

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

July 28, 1983

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3920/PAM

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

14235

International Designator

1983-077B

Decay Date

9/28/1983

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B

Alternative Name

Delta 171

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

Diameter

2.4

Span

Dry Mass

919

Launch Mass

6930

Shape

Cyl + Cone

Radar Cross Section

1.82

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Delta SSPS AJ10-118K

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MDAC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Delta/0020

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 7 May 2025

Today's briefing focuses on key developments in military space activities, technological advancements, and strategic challenges faced by the U.S. in space dominance. Notably, the Space Force is expanding its missile warning capabilities, and significant funding discussions are underway.

Space Brief 9 Dec 2025

Today's edition covers significant military space developments, including DIU tech consolidation discussions, NDAA budget expansions, and new military commands.

SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX deploys 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-100 mission. Falcon 9 lifted off at 6:31 p.m. EST continuing SpaceX's dominant satellite internet market position.

SpaceX IPO Raises $75B, SPCX Surges 20% on Day One | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX debuted on Nasdaq as SPCX at $135/share, raising a record $75B and pushing Elon Musk's net worth past $1 trillion for the first time.

SpaceX Unveils Space Traffic Management System, Bahamas Landings Resume | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX unveils new space traffic management system for orbital coordination. Bahamas grants permission for rocket landings after Starship debris pause. Musk proposes lunar satellite catapult.

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.

Space Brief 21 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers the Space Force's strategic roadmap, a groundbreaking DARPA mission in Very Low Earth Orbit, and enhanced cyber defenses due to AI-driven threats.

The Telescope That Needed Glasses

On April 25, 1990, the Space Shuttle Discovery's robotic arm lifted a 11,110-kilogram barrel of mirrors and instruments out of the payload bay and released it into orbit. Six weeks later, the first images came back badly out of focus. The Hubble Space Telescope had been ground to the wrong prescription, and America had just spent $2.5 billion on what the press was calling a 'technoturkey.'