X Report 29 May 2025
SpaceX made strides in both Starship and Starlink missions this week, launching another round of satellites while concurrently testing their Starship capabilities amidst challenges.
ARIANE 44P+3 R/B (23916)
COSPAR: 1996-035B | Alt Name: Ariane H10-3 V87
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 15, 1996
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44P
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23916
International Designator
1996-035B
Decay Date
9/30/1996
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ARIANE 44P+3 R/B
Alternative Name
Ariane H10-3 V87
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AE
Country
France
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
12.1
Diameter
2.6
Span
12.1
Dry Mass
1820
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
38.7736
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Ariane H10-3 S/N T459
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
AELM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ariane H10-3
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.
X Report 27 Nov 2024
SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
X Report 26 Feb 2025
SpaceX progresses with Starship Flight 8 preparations, completes investigation into Flight 7 mishap, and prepares for upcoming launches.
X Report 22 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks a successful launch of 21 Starlink satellites, follows up after Starship explosion, and influences Qantas flights amid a busy operational schedule.
SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Crosslink Deal, X Report 24 Apr 2026
SpaceX military contract: $57M to demo Link-182 waveform satellite crosslinks for Golden Dome missile defense. FCC denies its spectrum bid.
Starcloud Files 88,000-Satellite Constellation Plan | KeepTrack Space Brief
Starcloud files FCC plans for 88,000-satellite orbital data center constellation, matching scale of Starlink and Amazon Kuiper expansions. Massive LEO conjunction risk implications.
Space Brief 15 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include recent missile deals impacting military satellite launches, a Navy salvage operation in the South China Sea, and defense updates from the Manama Dialogue 2025.