Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers the deployment of a new optical sensor for the Space Force, SpaceX's recent Starlink satellite launch, and significant investment in space cargo vehicles.
PEGASUS R/B (27784)
COSPAR: 2003-017B | Alt Name: Pegasus F33 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 28, 2003
Launch Site
Launch Pad
RW30/12
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27784
International Designator
2003-017B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:25:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
29.00°
Right Ascension
34.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
218.69°
Period
98.29 min
Mean Motion
14.65 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
PEGASUS R/B
Alternative Name
Pegasus F33 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
OSCC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 27784U 03017B 26184.93430952 .00000654 00000-0 99704-4 0 9993
2 27784 29.0043 34.1625 0004909 218.6946 141.3292 14.65031283239646
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
1.4
Diameter
1
Span
2
Dry Mass
202
Launch Mass
202
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
1.377
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orion 38
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ATKH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Orion 38
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
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