ARIANE 5 R/B (26721)

COSPAR: 2001-011C | Alt Name: Ariane 5 L509 EPS

Image
ARIANE 5 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 8, 2001

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA3

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 5G

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

26721

International Designator

2001-011C

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:13:41 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

1.61°

Right Ascension

292.11°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

203.28°

Period

641.23 min

Mean Motion

2.25 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

ARIANE 5 R/B

Alternative Name

Ariane 5 L509 EPS

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AE

Country

France

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 26721U 01011C   26185.21783733 -.00000108  00000-0 -14437-2 0  9999
2 26721   1.6100 292.1085 7054137 203.2770 259.9408  2.24568801207803

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

3.9

Span

3.9

Dry Mass

1190

Launch Mass

1190

Shape

Cone + Cyl

Radar Cross Section

24.1248

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

EPS S/N 509

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

ASTD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

EPS

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Aestus

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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 19 Dec 2025

X Report 19 Dec 2025

A partial breakup incident involving a Starlink satellite raised concerns, while SpaceX continued its ambitious projects and launches.

Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report

Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk pushed back on orbital crowding concerns as SpaceX eyes data centers in space, with 10,584 Starlink satellites currently operational.

The Day America Sent Two Secrets to the Sky

The Day America Sent Two Secrets to the Sky

Sixty-five years ago, America launched two very different space missions within hours of each other - one broadcast live to a fascinated nation, the other quietly reaching orbit from a fog-shrouded California launchpad while no one was watching

SpaceX Wins $739M for Nine National Security Launches, FCC Adds 7,500 Starlink Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Wins $739M for Nine National Security Launches, FCC Adds 7,500 Starlink Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX awarded $739M for nine national security missions. FCC approves 7,500 additional Starlink satellites. NASA announces early Crew-11 return from ISS due to medical issue.

Sandhoo Takes Dual SDA Director, Missile Warning Role | KeepTrack Space Brief

Sandhoo Takes Dual SDA Director, Missile Warning Role | KeepTrack Space Brief

Brig. Gen. Gursharan Sandhoo double-hatted as SDA director and Space Force missile warning PAE head as Pentagon consolidates LEO satellite programs under new acquisition structure.

Space Brief 9 Feb 2025

Space Brief 9 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.

Space Brief 16 Oct 2024

Space Brief 16 Oct 2024

In today's briefing: China accelerates its satellite megaconstellation. A comprehensive ESA-led optical data network is in the works, marking a key step in satellite communications. NASA's Artemis II crew visits Ohio in preparation for their lunar journey. SpaceX's record-breaking rocket launches continue. Plus, insights into nuclear rockets that could drastically shorten Mars missions.

GPS III SV10 Launches on Falcon 9, X Report 20 Apr 2026

GPS III SV10 Launches on Falcon 9, X Report 20 Apr 2026

GPS III SV10 launched April 21 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 with 3x better accuracy and 8x anti-jamming. Starlink stands at 10,263 working satellites.