Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
OPTUS B3 PKM (23229)
COSPAR: 1994-055C | Alt Name: Star 63F S/N 005
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 27, 1994
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23229
International Designator
1994-055C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:32:06 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
24.11°
Right Ascension
10.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
128.99°
Period
673.60 min
Mean Motion
2.14 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPTUS B3 PKM
Alternative Name
Star 63F S/N 005
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
HSES
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23229U 94055C 26185.02229514 .00000431 00000-0 14976-2 0 9995
2 23229 24.1130 10.4206 7340889 128.9884 322.5395 2.13776709244633
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
2.7
Diameter
1.6
Span
2.7
Dry Mass
292
Launch Mass
4591
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
6.3246
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 63F
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 63
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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