Space Brief 18 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights recent launches and failures, including an Indian radar satellite setback, successful Rocket Lab missions, and China's debut of upgraded rocket technology.
DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D] (28876)
COSPAR: 2005-038C | Alt Name: Delta 313 Stage 3
Image
![DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D] Satellite Image](/images/sat/rocket2.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 26, 2005
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925-9.5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28876
International Designator
2005-038C
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:45:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
39.54°
Right Ascension
320.95°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
316.44°
Period
257.92 min
Mean Motion
5.58 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D]
Alternative Name
Delta 313 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
BOHB
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28876U 05038C 26183.19831963 .00015341 00000-0 93691-3 0 9992
2 28876 39.5368 320.9463 5064104 316.4386 13.1508 5.58304910350871
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
2.3
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.3
Dry Mass
132
Launch Mass
2141
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
2.3729
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 48B
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ATKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 48
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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