The Day Space Became Crowded
Eight years ago, a single Indian rocket launched 104 satellites into orbit, marking a pivotal moment when space tracking professionals realized the dawn of a new, congested era in orbital operations
DELTA 2 R/B (24797)
COSPAR: 1997-020F | Alt Name: Delta 242
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 5, 1997
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24797
International Designator
1997-020F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:07:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
86.89°
Right Ascension
221.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.11°
Period
99.45 min
Mean Motion
14.48 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 2 R/B
Alternative Name
Delta 242
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
BOHB
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24797U 97020F 26185.13017838 .00000861 00000-0 16658-3 0 9994
2 24797 86.8939 221.2014 0216611 83.1134 295.7925 14.47967051535043
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
6
Diameter
2.4
Span
9
Dry Mass
919
Launch Mass
1380
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
9.3827
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Delta SSPS AJ-10-118K
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
BOHB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Delta/0020
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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