Space Brief 24 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China's latest satellite launch, Russian threats to UK satellites, European defense strategies, and upcoming satellite launches from SatLeo and Quantum Space.
ARIANE 5 R/B (29646)
COSPAR: 2006-054D | Alt Name: Ariane 5 L534 ESC-A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 8, 2006
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5ECA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29646
International Designator
2006-054D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:31:56 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
2.68°
Right Ascension
118.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
346.17°
Period
513.93 min
Mean Motion
2.80 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ARIANE 5 R/B
Alternative Name
Ariane 5 L534 ESC-A
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AE
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29646U 06054D 26184.98051321 .00014259 00000-0 18660-2 0 9996
2 29646 2.6752 118.9289 6890935 346.1723 1.8212 2.80193326178627
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
7
Diameter
5.5
Span
7
Dry Mass
5000
Launch Mass
5000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
43.9174
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ESC-A FM08
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
EADSL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
ESC-A
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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