Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during ground testing May 28, visible from hundreds of miles across Florida. Fireball halts vehicle pending failure investigation.
SL-6 R/B(2) (24803)
COSPAR: 1997-022D | Alt Name: Blok-2BL 21-699
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 1997
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24803
International Designator
1997-022D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:29:58 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
68.63°
Right Ascension
293.86°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
65.89°
Period
705.05 min
Mean Motion
2.04 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-2BL 21-699
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VKS
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24803U 97022D 26185.27082027 -.00000695 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 24803 68.6266 293.8552 6046763 65.8927 344.5286 2.04241510217311
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
3.3
Diameter
2.3
Span
3.3
Dry Mass
900
Launch Mass
4500
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.4122
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok-2BL No. 71621-699
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-L
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 11 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites while facing delays in launching the Axiom Space mission due to a propellant leak. Additionally, new US broadband rules favor Starlink's expansion into rural markets.
Space Brief 4 Jul 2025
Explore today's key space events including China's satellite launch, ULA's Vulcan rocket preparations, significant budget bills from Congress, and discussions on lunar business prospects.
Space Brief 26 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.
X Report 2 Dec 2024
SpaceX continues its Starship testing while advancing Starlink deployments, and collaborates on satellite missions with industry partners.
Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
X Report 10 Mar 2025
SpaceX plans first Starship launch from Florida, and prepares for NASA’s SPHEREx and PUNCH missions from Vandenberg.
X Report 13 Feb 2025
SpaceX and NASA swap Crew Dragon for Crew-10 mission; exciting 'space jellyfish' phenomena from recent launch.