CZ-3B R/B (31396)

COSPAR: 2007-018B | Alt Name: CZ-3B Y9 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
CZ-3B R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 13, 2007

Launch Site

XICLF

Launch Pad

LC2

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 3B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

31396

International Designator

2007-018B

Decay Date

8/16/2009

Basic Satellite Info

Name

CZ-3B R/B

Alternative Name

CZ-3B Y9 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

CASC

Country

China

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

12.4

Diameter

3

Span

12.4

Dry Mass

2800

Launch Mass

8400

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

11.892

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

CZ-3B Stage 3

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

CALT

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

CZ-3A Stage 3

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.

Space Brief 10 Sep 2024

Space Brief 10 Sep 2024

Today’s Space Brief covers a rescued lunar orbiter, a thorough pre-launch check for a Jupiter-bound mission, and leadership changes in a satellite communication company. We also spotlight a recently launched CubeSat and an innovative act of deorbiting.

Space Brief 20 Mar 2025

Space Brief 20 Mar 2025

Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.

The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Universe

The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Universe

Forty-seven years ago, a revolutionary space telescope changed our view of the cosmos, pioneering international cooperation in space-based astronomy

Space Brief 24 May 2025

Space Brief 24 May 2025

Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.

Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report

Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX ignited all 6 Starship engines for a full minute at Starbase, while a Falcon 9 added 24 more Starlinks from Vandenberg on July 1.

X Report 9 Dec 2024

X Report 9 Dec 2024

SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.

The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris

The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris

As humanity increasingly relies on satellites, the escalating space junk problem poses a dire threat to our space-based infrastructure. With debris counts reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed to prevent a cascade of collisions that could make key orbits unusable.

Space Brief 28 Feb 2025

Space Brief 28 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.