The Day a Car Started Its Journey to the Stars
Seven years ago, SpaceX revolutionized spaceflight by launching the most powerful operational rocket in the world, carrying with it a cherry-red Tesla Roadster that captured global imagination
DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D] (22879)
COSPAR: 1993-068C | Alt Name: Delta 223 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
![DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D] Satellite Image](/images/sat/rocket2.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 26, 1993
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
22879
International Designator
1993-068C
Decay Date
1/20/2004
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D]
Alternative Name
Delta 223 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
MDAC
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
2.3
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.3
Dry Mass
132
Launch Mass
2141
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
3.1555
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 48B S/N 10083-18
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 48
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 7 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers significant developments in missile defense, military space operations, and upcoming rocket launches. Keep an eye on the evolving Golden Dome program and the advanced capabilities it brings.
The Day a Farm Boy Found a New World
Ninety-five years ago, a 24-year-old astronomer with no college degree made one of astronomy's most remarkable discoveries, finding a new planet that would challenge our understanding of the solar system
Falcon 9 Lofts 46 Payloads Including CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's third rideshare mission of 2026 delivered South Korea's CAS500-2 imager and 45 secondary payloads to Sun-synchronous orbit on Falcon 9.
X Report 5 Nov 2025
Today's key development highlights SpaceX's upcoming launch of 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, marking the start of an active month for the satellite constellation.
NASA Ends MAVEN After 6-Month Contact Loss; Falcon 9 Sets 35th Reuse Record | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA concludes MAVEN mission after six months attempting to restore contact with Mars probe. Meanwhile, Falcon 9 booster flies record 35th flight on Starlink 10-35 mission.
SpinLaunch's Kinetic Launch System
How a California startup's massive centrifuge could transform space access by eliminating rocket fuel, reducing costs by 70%, and enabling daily satellite launches - if it can overcome the physics of scaling from suborbital tests to orbital reality
Starlink 10-50 Launches With Semiconductor Payload Aboard | KeepTrack X Report
A Falcon 9 lifted off from SLC-40 at 6:50 a.m. EDT carrying Starlink satellites and Besxar Space Industries semiconductor test pods.