10 Surprising Facts About SpaceX
Discover lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's history, achievements, and innovations that have shaped the commercial space industry over the past two decades.
DELTA 1 R/B(1) (02259)
COSPAR: 1966-058B | Alt Name: Delta 39
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 1, 1966
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta E1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
02259
International Designator
1966-058B
Decay Date
11/17/1966
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Delta 39
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
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
5.2
Diameter
1.4
Span
5.2
Dry Mass
785
Launch Mass
785
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DSV-3E-3 S/N 20207
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
AJ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ablestar
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
SpaceX to Lower 4,400 Starlink Satellite Orbits for Space Safety | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX plans to lower orbits of 4,400 Starlink satellites after two collision-concern incidents. Cosmo-SkyMed Earth observation satellite launched for Italy from Vandenberg.
DARPA Robotic GEO Servicer Targeting Summer 2026 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
DARPA's robotic satellite servicing mission targets GEO orbit by summer 2026. NASA adds six SpaceX crew missions as Boeing Starliner remains uncertified.
NASA Pressures Blue Origin on HLS After New Glenn Explosion | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA demands Blue Origin find alternate launcher for Artemis moon landers after New Glenn test explosion damaged Cape Canaveral LC-36. Schedule risk to lunar missions.
China's iSpace Raises Record $729M for Reusable Rockets | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's iSpace secures record $729M for reusable rocket development. SpaceX launches Crew-12 and lands booster at new LZ-40 pad. Startup bets on space-based missile defense.
The Day Two Astronauts Proved We Could Reach the Moon
Sixty years ago, Frank Borman and James Lovell launched aboard Gemini 7 for a grueling 14-day mission that would prove humans could endure the journey to the moon and achieve the first true rendezvous in space
X Report 8 Mar 2025
SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 8 amid debris fallout, achieves regulatory win for smartphone connectivity, and prepares for upcoming ISS missions.