Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
The bustling downtown of space: where most satellites operate, communication networks bloom, and the challenges of atmospheric drag and radiation shape our approach to space operations
NTS 2 AKM (26376)
COSPAR: 1977-053C | Alt Name: Star 27 S/N 0031
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 1977
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas F/SVS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26376
International Designator
1977-053C
Epoch
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:44:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
62.76°
Right Ascension
254.09°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
218.40°
Period
704.92 min
Mean Motion
2.04 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NTS 2 AKM
Alternative Name
Star 27 S/N 0031
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26376U 77053C 26182.86455497 .00000030 00000+0 00000+0 0 9994
2 26376 62.7639 254.0935 0427303 218.4034 138.5655 02.04277622194456
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
1.2
Diameter
0.7
Span
1.2
Dry Mass
24
Launch Mass
360
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
0.2512
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 27 TE-M-616-9
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 27
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 27 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully completes a critical test flight of its Starship vehicle while gearing up for another Starlink satellite launch, showcasing significant advancements in their launch capabilities.
The Rise of Super Heavy-Lift Rockets
Super heavy-lift rockets are the most powerful launch vehicles ever built. They can send humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But what are they, and why are they so important?
2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.
The Day Destiny Changed the Space Station Forever
Twenty-four years ago, two spacewalking astronauts battled an ammonia leak while installing the U.S. Laboratory module Destiny, transforming the International Space Station from a construction site to a world-class research facility
X Report 24 Apr 2025
SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.
X Report 12 Aug 2025
SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.
LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything
A startup built on Cold War-era radar science now tracks 25,000 objects in orbit - and the Pentagon can't get enough of it. But can its radars really compete with the Space Surveillance Network?