Space Brief 15 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, a successful Rocket Lab mission for JAXA, and a scheduled launch update from Kennedy Space Center.
CZ-4 R/B (20791)
COSPAR: 1990-081D | Alt Name: CZ-4 Y2 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 3, 1990
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC7
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20791
International Designator
1990-081D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:58:56 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
99.03°
Right Ascension
148.49°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
22.76°
Period
103.37 min
Mean Motion
13.93 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4 R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-4 Y2 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
MAI2
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20791U 90081D 26185.12426464 .00000104 00000-0 11160-3 0 9995
2 20791 99.0326 148.4896 0053255 22.7595 348.9180 13.93053959820954
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
6.2
Diameter
2.9
Span
6.2
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
1000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
7.2438
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-4 Stage 3
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SBA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-4 Stage 3
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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