Space Brief 13 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers a new naming system by Space Force, China's space advances, drone defense at Cape Canaveral, and more military updates impacting space operations.
CZ-3A R/B (37764)
COSPAR: 2011-038B | Alt Name: CZ-3A Y17 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 26, 2011
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC3
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
37764
International Designator
2011-038B
Decay Date
3/3/2012
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-3A R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-3A Y17 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
7050
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
9.1718
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-3A 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.
SpaceX and xAI Tapped for Pentagon's $100M Drone Contest | KeepTrack X Report
Pentagon selects SpaceX and xAI for $100M autonomous drone competition. Two Falcon 9 rockets launch Starlink sats from California and Florida. 11,215 total Starlink satellites launched.
The Day We Lost Apollo 1
Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture
Space Brief 16 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's AI integration, new naming conventions for satellites, and updates on military and satellite acquisition strategies.
X Report 22 Feb 2025
SpaceX secures NASA contract for NEO Surveyor launch and prepares for upcoming Starship test flight.
X Report 10 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 8 with successful booster static fire; Starlink continues its expansion.
X Report 8 Jun 2025
SpaceX has seen a flurry of activity with successful launches, static-fire tests for Starship, and ongoing preparations for future objectives, marking an exciting time for the aerospace company.
Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.