X Report 23 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the NROL-48 mission, growing the National Reconnaissance Office's satellite fleet. Additionally, NASA introduced ten new astronaut candidates, increasing female representation in its ranks.
CZ-4B R/B (28059)
COSPAR: 2003-049C | Alt Name: CZ-4B Y4 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 21, 2003
Launch Site
TAISC
Launch Pad
LC7
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28059
International Designator
2003-049C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:49:51 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.69°
Right Ascension
184.81°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
235.11°
Period
98.96 min
Mean Motion
14.55 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4B R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-4B Y4 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28059U 03049C 26185.28462210 .00000327 00000-0 86643-4 0 9990
2 28059 98.6902 184.8121 0047087 235.1124 124.5642 14.55110999203552
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
6.9
Diameter
2.9
Span
6.9
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
1000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.8035
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
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.
Space Brief 18 Dec 2025
Today's updates cover Rocket Lab's launch for the U.S. Space Force, Digantara's major funding round, and discussions on national security in space.
The Day Two Astronauts Proved We Could Reach the Moon
Sixty years ago, Frank Borman and James Lovell launched aboard Gemini 7 for a grueling 14-day mission that would prove humans could endure the journey to the moon and achieve the first true rendezvous in space
X Report 23 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship tests as Starlink continues global expansion. Key infrastructure updates from Cape Canaveral involve multiple industry players.
Space Brief 3 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the U.S. Air Force's $48 million investment in testing reentry capsules, a Pentagon-backed GPS alternative, and the Space Force's quest for funding autonomy.
SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite in Third Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches GPS satellite for Space Force — third consecutive GPS mission reassigned from ULA. Space Force nears selection of next-gen GEO spy satellite contractors. Northwood Space lands $49M deal.
X Report 10 Dec 2024
SpaceX gears up for a busy launch schedule with multiple missions, while its Starship program progresses with a successful Super Heavy test. Meanwhile, NASA's Artemis 2 faces delays, highlighting SpaceX's ongoing momentum in the space sector.
Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.