Growing Threat of Space Junk
Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.
DELTA 2 R/B(2) (24810)
COSPAR: 1997-025C | Alt Name: Delta 243 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 20, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24810
International Designator
1997-025C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:46:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
18.99°
Right Ascension
191.50°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
197.68°
Period
666.33 min
Mean Motion
2.16 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 2 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Delta 243 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
BOHB
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24810U 97025C 26184.99068124 -.00000012 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 24810 18.9903 191.4957 6935906 197.6779 103.2000 2.16110565230005
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
2.3
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.3
Dry Mass
132
Launch Mass
2141
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
3.2471
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 48B
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 48
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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