Space Brief 7 Nov 2025
Today's brief highlights a landmark cooperation between NASA and China to prevent satellite collision, strategic steps in American space leadership through nuclear energy, a U.S. military missile test, and more.
MINOTAUR R/B (31141)
COSPAR: 2007-014B | Alt Name: Minotaur I (7) Stage 4
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 24, 2007
Launch Site
WLPIS
Launch Pad
Pad 0B
Launch Vehicle
Minotaur I
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
31141
International Designator
2007-014B
Decay Date
9/26/2007
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MINOTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Minotaur I (7) Stage 4
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
OSCC
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
1.3
Diameter
1
Span
2
Dry Mass
410
Launch Mass
410
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
1.0785
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orion 38
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ATKH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Orion 38
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.
X Report 23 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8 amidst Starlink's growing presence in global internet markets.
SpaceX Lands $2.29B Space Force Contract, X Report 27 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $2.29 billion US Space Force contract for a military space data network, NASA adds 6 crew missions, and Starship V3 makes its first flight.
Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
X Report 28 Dec 2025
SpaceX scrubs a launch due to ground system issues while continuing its ambitious deployment of Starlink satellites.
X Report 4 Sep 2025
SpaceX conducted multiple successful launches this week, adding to its Starlink constellation and marking significant milestones in its ongoing missions.
X Report 16 Jan 2025
SpaceX launches dual lunar landers while Starship Flight 7 faces weather delay.
Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.