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.
CZ-4C R/B (40112)
COSPAR: 2014-047D | Alt Name: CZ-4C Y15 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 9, 2014
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC603
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40112
International Designator
2014-047D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:57:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
63.41°
Right Ascension
217.49°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
0.45°
Period
105.08 min
Mean Motion
13.70 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4C R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-4C Y15 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40112U 14047D 26185.03992191 .00000129 00000-0 90268-4 0 9991
2 40112 63.4077 217.4899 0562629 0.4540 359.6897 13.70405909595116
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
6.9
Diameter
2.9
Span
6.9
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
1000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
6.4429
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-4C Stage 3
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-4 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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