CZ-4B R/B (27551)

COSPAR: 2002-049B | Alt Name: CZ-4B Y6 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
CZ-4B R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 27, 2002

Launch Site

TAISC

Launch Pad

LC7

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 4B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

27551

International Designator

2002-049B

Decay Date

1/6/2007

Basic Satellite Info

Name

CZ-4B R/B

Alternative Name

CZ-4B Y6 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

CNSA

Country

China

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

6.9

Diameter

2.9

Span

6.9

Dry Mass

1000

Launch Mass

1000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

11.0144

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

CZ-4B Stage 3

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

SAST

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

CZ-4 Stage 3

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 1 Nov 2025

Space Brief 1 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.

X Report 21 Sep 2025

X Report 21 Sep 2025

Key updates include a potential delay for the Starship lunar lander, successful static fire tests for Ship 38, and the latest Starlink satellite launch plans.

The Day the Navy's Eyes Reached Orbit

The Day the Navy's Eyes Reached Orbit

Forty-two years ago, an Atlas H rocket climbed into the California sky carrying four objects that would help the U.S. Navy track every Soviet warship on the planet - a mission so secret that even the satellites' true name wasn't declassified until 2023

SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA awards $3.5B in contracts for 72 Tracking Layer satellites to Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab. Terran Orbital selected for satellite bus production. Israel eyes 2026 defense growth.

X Report 12 Dec 2025

X Report 12 Dec 2025

SpaceX makes headlines with record-breaking launch operations, while plans for an IPO signal major changes in the company's trajectory and could inspire industry-wide movements.

X Report 22 Oct 2025

X Report 22 Oct 2025

SpaceX sets a new launch record as it prepares for its 133rd Falcon 9 mission. Additionally, developments in satellite technology and mergers in the space sector highlight the ongoing competition.

Space Brief 5 Dec 2024

Space Brief 5 Dec 2024

Today's brief highlights Umbra Space's contract extension with the NRO, Trump's Space Force ambitions, FibreCoat's new funding targeting defense markets, and key US defense sentiments. Explore notable military and commercial satellite activities.

The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid

The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid

Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body