Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
SATCOM K2 R/B [PAM-D2] (16295)
COSPAR: 1985-109H | Alt Name: PAM-D2
Image
![SATCOM K2 R/B [PAM-D2] Satellite Image](/images/sat/rocket3.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 27, 1985
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16295
International Designator
1985-109H
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:37:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
26.75°
Right Ascension
358.89°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
283.25°
Period
593.72 min
Mean Motion
2.43 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
SATCOM K2 R/B [PAM-D2]
Alternative Name
PAM-D2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 16295U 85109H 26183.48424738 .00000002 00000-0 46616-3 0 9994
2 16295 26.7514 358.8937 7121925 283.2526 11.9498 2.42538720276233
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
1.8
Diameter
1.6
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
230
Launch Mass
3635
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
3.481
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 63D
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKU
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 63
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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