IUS R/B(2) (21641)

COSPAR: 1991-054D | Alt Name: IUS-15 SRM-2

Image
IUS R/B(2) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 2, 1991

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21641

International Designator

1991-054D

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:04:35 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

13.73°

Right Ascension

332.82°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

348.36°

Period

1435.19 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

IUS R/B(2)

Alternative Name

IUS-15 SRM-2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

MSFC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 21641U 91054D   26185.16985964 -.00000265  00000-0  00000-0 0  9997
2 21641  13.7292 332.8186 0036171 348.3569 341.6867  1.00335182 47534

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

2.1

Diameter

1.6

Span

2.1

Dry Mass

1100

Launch Mass

3840

Shape

Sphere + Cone

Radar Cross Section

3.1992

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

Map
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