Space Brief 18 Sep 2025
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
ECHOSTAR 1 PKM (23756)
COSPAR: 1995-073C | Alt Name: EPKM
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 28, 1995
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23756
International Designator
1995-073C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:51:34 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
24.22°
Right Ascension
82.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
198.48°
Period
299.72 min
Mean Motion
4.80 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
ECHOSTAR 1 PKM
Alternative Name
EPKM
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC1
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23756U 95073C 26184.99414951 .00038270 00000-0 11767-2 0 9994
2 23756 24.2191 82.0831 5560889 198.4768 128.4110 4.80454980362381
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
2.5
Diameter
1.7
Span
2.5
Dry Mass
541
Launch Mass
5985
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
4.6717
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FG-46
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ARMT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
FG-46
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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