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.
SL-6 R/B(2) (27412)
COSPAR: 2002-017D | Alt Name: Blok-2BL 14-622
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 1, 2002
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27412
International Designator
2002-017D
Decay Date
12/18/2014
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-2BL 14-622
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSNR
Country
Russia
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
3.3
Diameter
2.3
Span
3.3
Dry Mass
900
Launch Mass
4500
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
4.753
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok-2BL No. 77314-622
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 11 Aug 2025
Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.
X Report 29 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up 2024 with successful Starlink and Astranis launches, while reflecting on a monumental year for the Starship program.
X Report 27 Jul 2025
SpaceX's rapid advancements continued this weekend with two consecutive Starlink missions and preparations for the upcoming Crew-11 launch, showcasing its efficiency and commitment to expanding satellite broadband coverage.
X Report 4 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
Shotwell Details xAI Power Pledge at White House | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell joined Trump at the White House to outline xAI's energy commitment, while Transporter-18 targets October 2026 launch.
X Report 26 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites and discusses upcoming business strategies, while T-Mobile slashes Starlink cellular prices.
Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium for $8B, X Report 30 Jun 2026
Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for $8B to challenge SpaceX, whose Starlink constellation holds 10,706 working satellites of 12,390 launched.