New Glenn Upper Stage Fails, BlueBird 7 Lost, Space Brief 20 Apr 2026
New Glenn's upper stage malfunctioned April 19, stranding AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7; the satellite is lost. Vulcan may fly without solid boosters.
ATLAS AGENA D R/B (02609)
COSPAR: 1966-110B | Alt Name: Agena D 6151
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 1966
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC12
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3 Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
02609
International Designator
1966-110B
Decay Date
10/15/1974
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS AGENA D R/B
Alternative Name
Agena D 6151
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
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
6.3
Diameter
1.5
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
600
Launch Mass
600
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Agena D 6151
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMSC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Agena D
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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