Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
TITAN 34D R/B(1) (15455)
COSPAR: 1984-129C | Alt Name: Titan 34D-13 Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 22, 1984
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan 34D/Transtage
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15455
International Designator
1984-129C
Decay Date
1/17/1985
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TITAN 34D R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Titan 34D-13 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSD
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
9.9
Diameter
3.1
Span
9.9
Dry Mass
2900
Launch Mass
2900
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
LR91AJ11 34D-13
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
MM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Titan 3M Stage 2
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.
Crew-11 Completes First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, SpaceX Sets Pad Record | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 astronauts splashdown off California in first-ever ISS medical evacuation. SpaceX sets pad turnaround record at Cape Canaveral with Starlink 6-98 deploying 29 satellites.
X Report 7 Feb 2025
DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.
Space Brief 3 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the U.S. Air Force's $48 million investment in testing reentry capsules, a Pentagon-backed GPS alternative, and the Space Force's quest for funding autonomy.
Space Brief 4 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's new GEO Yaogan satellite launch, India's record-mass commsat, military tech updates, autonomous systems for maritime security, and insights from satellite imagery of Hurricane Melissa's impact in Jamaica.
Space Brief 14 Dec 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.
NASA Ends MAVEN After 6-Month Contact Loss; Falcon 9 Sets 35th Reuse Record | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA concludes MAVEN mission after six months attempting to restore contact with Mars probe. Meanwhile, Falcon 9 booster flies record 35th flight on Starlink 10-35 mission.
Nuclear Renaissance Surges in Space, Pentagon Invests $1B in L3Harris Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief
Demand surges for nuclear power in space including lunar surface reactors. Pentagon commits $1B as anchor investor in L3Harris missile unit. Orbion delivers 33 electric thrusters for military sats.