Space Brief 31 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
ATLAS AGENA R/B(2) (15422)
COSPAR: 1977-038C | Alt Name: CANYON apogee motor
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 23, 1977
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC13
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3A Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15422
International Designator
1977-038C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:56:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
6.28°
Right Ascension
330.39°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
180.89°
Period
1407.14 min
Mean Motion
1.02 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS AGENA R/B(2)
Alternative Name
CANYON apogee motor
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NRO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 15422U 77038C 26185.12224174 .00000048 00000-0 00000-0 0 9996
2 15422 6.2750 330.3878 1448560 180.8905 179.0740 1.02335181 26412
Source: Celestrak
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
0.5
Span
1
Dry Mass
100
Launch Mass
500
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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