Space Brief 24 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the successes and setbacks in recent rocket launches, a notable satellite anomaly, and a significant expansion announcement from ESA.
DELTA 2 R/B(1) (29488)
COSPAR: 2006-042C | Alt Name: Delta 318
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 25, 2006
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925-9.5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29488
International Designator
2006-042C
Decay Date
12/23/2006
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 2 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Delta 318
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
BOHB
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
7
Diameter
2.4
Span
7
Dry Mass
924
Launch Mass
1500
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
7.1485
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Delta SSPS AJ-10-118K
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
BOPBL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Delta/0020
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.
Musk Denies Starlink Price Cuts Are Response to Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk denies Starlink price reductions are driven by Amazon Kuiper competition. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in 18th constellation mission of 2026. Five more coming this week.
Space Brief 19 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, Space Dynamics Lab's new collaboration with the Space Force, and shifts within the Pentagon's AI division.
The Day America Pioneered Polar Orbits
Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program
X Report 13 Mar 2025
SpaceX scrubs Crew-10 launch due to hydraulics issue; successful Falcon 9 launch for NASA missions, and Texas supports SpaceX expansion.
Space Brief 23 Oct 2025
Today's updates cover Vantor's satellites overcoming tracking challenges, a startup's ambitious missile defense test, and more pivotal space events.
Space Brief 31 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.
X Report 17 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks another milestone and setback with Starship Flight 7, achieving a successful booster catch but losing the upper stage during ascent.