Space Brief 8 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.
IUS R/B(2) (20844)
COSPAR: 1990-090D | Alt Name: IUS-17 SRM-2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 6, 1990
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20844
International Designator
1990-090D
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IUS R/B(2)
Alternative Name
IUS-17 SRM-2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
MSFC
Country
United States
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
3.2
Diameter
2.5
Span
5.6
Dry Mass
1134
Launch Mass
3908
Shape
Cone + Cone + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orbus 6E
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CSD
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Orbus 6
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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