Space Brief 21 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief covers SpaceX's recent launch for OneWeb, advances in remote-control robots for lunar missions, the power loss of Intelsat 33e, and developments in inflatable space habitats.
N-2 R/B (17528)
COSPAR: 1987-018B | Alt Name: N-II-16F Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 19, 1987
Launch Site
TANSC
Launch Pad
N
Launch Vehicle
N-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
17528
International Designator
1987-018B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:38:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.40°
Right Ascension
177.52°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
5.90°
Period
98.99 min
Mean Motion
14.55 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
N-2 R/B
Alternative Name
N-II-16F Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NASDA
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 17528U 87018B 26185.23479598 .00000936 00000-0 19960-3 0 9992
2 17528 97.4039 177.5237 0144121 5.8997 354.3857 14.54643005 58662
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
6
Diameter
2.4
Span
6
Dry Mass
950
Launch Mass
950
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
8.3466
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
AJ10-118FJ
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
MHITO/AJ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ablestar
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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