Space Brief 6 Apr 2025
Today, we explore substantial U.S. defense contracts awarded for space launches, ESA's enigmatic Euclid images release, and SpaceX missions covering satellite launches and astronaut reentries.
CZ-2C R/B (40287)
COSPAR: 2014-066B | Alt Name: CZ-2C Y32 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 27, 2014
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC603
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40287
International Designator
2014-066B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:59:12 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.72°
Right Ascension
204.33°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
232.15°
Period
98.11 min
Mean Motion
14.68 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-2C R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-2C Y32 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40287U 14066B 26184.99945128 .00000643 00000-0 12088-3 0 9991
2 40287 97.7227 204.3270 0007027 232.1502 127.9068 14.67696650624810
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
8.4
Diameter
3.3
Span
8.4
Dry Mass
3800
Launch Mass
3800
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
8.3299
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-2C Stage 2
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CALT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-2 Stage 2
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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