New Glenn Upper Stage Fails, BlueBird 7 Lost, Space Brief 20 Apr 2026
New Glenn's upper stage malfunctioned April 19, stranding AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7; the satellite is lost. Vulcan may fly without solid boosters.
SL-4 R/B (19323)
COSPAR: 1988-061B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U2 No. 24 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 18, 1988
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
19323
International Designator
1988-061B
Decay Date
7/21/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U2 No. 24 Blok-I
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
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
6.7
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.7
Dry Mass
2350
Launch Mass
2350
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
40.37
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S510
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
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.
X Report 28 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship, gains FCC approval for new services, and predicts a future shift in spacecraft dominance.
Space Brief 18 Jun 2025
Today's updates cover crucial developments in satellite licensing reforms, defense cybersecurity, and AI integration within government sectors.
Vulcan Booster Anomaly Under Scrutiny After USSF-87 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA Vulcan faces scrutiny after solid booster anomaly on USSF-87 mission. ThinKom wins portable satellite ground station contract. Space Force starts Project Hecate for GPS past 2040.
X Report 16 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on November 14, marking the first of two rapid-fire Falcon 9 missions from Florida's Space Coast in under four hours.
Space Brief 18 Jan 2025
In today's brief: high-profile personnel changes in the Space Force, the inclusion of Space Force in historical political events, and strategic shifts in defense highlighted with a focus on satellite applications.
X Report 14 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new reuse record with Falcon 9's 27th flight, continuing its Starlink deployment while facing challenges with Starship development.
Space Brief 26 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.