H-2 R/B(1) (23231)

COSPAR: 1994-056B | Alt Name: H-II-2F Stage 2
DECAYED

Image
H-2 R/B(1) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 28, 1994

Launch Site

TANSC

Launch Pad

Y

Launch Vehicle

H-II

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23231

International Designator

1994-056B

Decay Date

4/2/1995

Basic Satellite Info

Name

H-2 R/B(1)

Alternative Name

H-II-2F Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

NASDA

Country

Japan

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

11

Diameter

4

Span

11

Dry Mass

2700

Launch Mass

3030

Shape

Step Cyl

Radar Cross Section

34.7234

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

H-II Stage 2

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MHITO

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

LE-5A

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 20 Feb 2025

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.

X Report 29 Sep 2025

X Report 29 Sep 2025

In today's update, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, while Italy grapples with its satellite strategy amid rising reliance on Starlink services.

Space Brief 25 Dec 2025

Space Brief 25 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include the Pentagon's report on China's military buildup, Innospace's upcoming launch plans, Starlink's rapid growth, China's significant space strides in 2025, and India's successful deployment of BlueBird 6.

Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief

Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.

X Report 21 Dec 2024

X Report 21 Dec 2024

SpaceX prepares for Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission launch, while FAA updates license for Starship's next flight; Crew Dragon mission faces delays.

81 Payloads Deployed to SSO; Long March 10B & Vikram-I Debut This Week | KeepTrack Space Brief

81 Payloads Deployed to SSO; Long March 10B & Vikram-I Debut This Week | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX rideshare Falcon 9 deployed 81 payloads including military tech demos to sun-synchronous orbit. China's Long March 10B and India's Vikram-I both debut this week among 6 scheduled launches.

Space Brief 8 Jul 2025

Space Brief 8 Jul 2025

Today's highlights include the cancellation of Starship landing plans, Planet Labs' defense expansion, and cutting-edge radiation-hardened tech for space and defense.

Rocket Lab Wins $190M Pentagon Hypersonic Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

Rocket Lab Wins $190M Pentagon Hypersonic Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

Rocket Lab secures $190M Pentagon deal for 20 hypersonic test flights over 4 years using Electron. Five missions annually trackable via Space-Track.