X Report 5 Jun 2025
SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its 500th Falcon launch and the continued expansion of Starlink connectivity.
H-1 R/B (20491)
COSPAR: 1990-013D | Alt Name: H-I-21F Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 7, 1990
Launch Site
TANSC
Launch Pad
N
Launch Vehicle
H-1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20491
International Designator
1990-013D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:50:41 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
99.07°
Right Ascension
122.88°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
117.63°
Period
110.45 min
Mean Motion
13.04 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
H-1 R/B
Alternative Name
H-I-21F Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NASDA
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20491U 90013D 26185.20186658 .00000562 00000-0 11066-2 0 9996
2 20491 99.0657 122.8838 0468506 117.6317 247.3165 13.03743331731244
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
10.3
Diameter
2.5
Span
10.3
Dry Mass
1900
Launch Mass
1900
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
7.8917
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
LE-5
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
MHITO
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
LE-5
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Second Starlink Satellite Generates Debris; Falcon 9 Booster Flies 34th Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Second Starlink satellite malfunctioned on orbit and generated debris within three months of prior event. Falcon 9 booster completed record 34th mission from Cape Canaveral.
X Report 21 Nov 2025
SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its 100th launch of the year, enhancing Starlink's coverage while preparing for an escalating Starship production cadence.
Space Brief 8 May 2025
Today we cover new appointments at NASA, calls for increased Space Force funding, and a successful test of a hypersonic vehicle. Further investigations target SpaceX, and a documentary highlights space superiority.
X Report 23 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship tests as Starlink continues global expansion. Key infrastructure updates from Cape Canaveral involve multiple industry players.
X Report 1 Mar 2025
FAA greenlights Flight 8 of SpaceX's Starship while senators examine Air Force nominee's ties to the company.
Space Brief 26 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the crash of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket over Europe, the Space Force's mapping efforts with Iron Dome, and key military appointments and funding decisions.
X Report 21 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves a historic rocket reuse milestone and successfully launches NRO satellites, alongside charming interactions during Crew-9 Dragon recovery.