FALCON 9 R/B (38349)

COSPAR: 2012-027B | Alt Name: Falcon 9-003 Stage 2
DECAYED

Image
FALCON 9 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 22, 2012

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

38349

International Designator

2012-027B

Decay Date

6/27/2012

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FALCON 9 R/B

Alternative Name

Falcon 9-003 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

SPX

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

12.6

Diameter

3.6

Span

12.6

Dry Mass

4000

Launch Mass

4000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

21.5818

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

F9-003 St2

Purpose

Space burial

Mission

Space burial

Manufacturer

SPX

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

F9St2

Configuration

Cylindrical containers bolted to upper stage

Motor

None

Equipment

?

Power System

None

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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