X Report 2 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 more Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, marking another milestone in its satellite constellation expansion.
ATLAS 5 STAR 48-B R/B (28930)
COSPAR: 2006-001C | Alt Name: New Horizons Kick Stage
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 19, 2006
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 551
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28930
International Designator
2006-001C
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 5 STAR 48-B R/B
Alternative Name
New Horizons Kick Stage
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
NASA/APL
Country
United States
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
2.3
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.3
Dry Mass
132
Launch Mass
2141
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
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
Star 48
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 30 Aug 2024
Today's highlights include General Dynamics' contract extension with SDA, ABL Space Systems layoffs, NASA's Crew-9 mission adjustments, and Galactic Energy's successful satellite launch.
Space Brief 5 Jul 2025
Today's space highlights include China's first classified Shiyan-28B launch, Boeing's major satellite contract, new NASA budget allocations, and plans for shuttle Discovery's relocation.
Space Brief 20 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief focuses on multi-billion dollar contracts for missile-tracking satellites, developments in optical nuclear clock research, and innovative drone projects for military collaboration.
SpaceX Hits 50 Launches, Falcon Heavy Scrub, X Report 28 Apr 2026
SpaceX hit 50 launches in 2026 on April 26. Falcon Heavy's ViaSat-3 mission, only its 12th flight, scrubbed on weather at Kennedy; new date pending.
DROID.002 - Turion Space's Eyes on the Orbital Junkyard
A 90-kilogram spacecraft with iodine thrusters and two Australian-built cameras is quietly building the case that tracking space debris is a business worth billions - and that a four-year-old startup from Irvine can own it.
X Report 18 Jan 2025
SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 7 as FAA launches an investigation, while future transportation policies might impact SpaceX operations. Meanwhile, the Starlink constellation continues strong.
X Report 13 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites as Starship prepares for full stack testing, amidst Musk's new governmental role.