X Report 9 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 new Starlink satellites today, further expanding its satellite internet constellation amidst growing competition in the space broadband market.
SKYNET 4A R/B [PAM-D2] (20404)
COSPAR: 1990-001D | Alt Name: Star 63D
Image
![SKYNET 4A R/B [PAM-D2] Satellite Image](/images/sat/rocket2.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 1, 1990
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Commercial Titan 3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20404
International Designator
1990-001D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
21.51°
Right Ascension
95.26°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
44.61°
Period
561.40 min
Mean Motion
2.57 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SKYNET 4A R/B [PAM-D2]
Alternative Name
Star 63D
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
MOD
Country
United Kingdom
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20404U 90001D 26185.00058812 .00000835 00000-0 12320-2 0 9992
2 20404 21.5057 95.2564 7018656 44.6122 353.8100 2.56502222312052
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
3500
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
3.2913
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
TU-963
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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