Space Brief 18 Sep 2025
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
CZ-3C R/B (34780)
COSPAR: 2009-018B | Alt Name: CZ-3C Y3 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 14, 2009
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
34780
International Designator
2009-018B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:23:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
20.86°
Right Ascension
349.54°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
205.95°
Period
556.88 min
Mean Motion
2.59 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-3C R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-3C Y3 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 34780U 09018B 26185.01637861 .00001105 00000-0 94898-3 0 9992
2 34780 20.8553 349.5386 7017896 205.9509 88.6202 2.58581418151918
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
12.4
Diameter
3
Span
12.4
Dry Mass
2800
Launch Mass
8400
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
13.0144
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-3C 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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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