SATURN 5 R/B (04040)

COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Saturn S-IVB-506

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

July 16, 1969

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

Unknown

Launch Vehicle

Unknown

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

04040

International Designator

N/A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SATURN 5 R/B

Alternative Name

Saturn S-IVB-506

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

MSFC

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

20.8

Diameter

6.6

Span

20.8

Dry Mass

11340

Launch Mass

85161

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Saturn S-IVB-506

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MDAC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

S-IVB

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.

STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report

A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.

China's 75 Unusual GEO Maneuvers Flagged by CSIS | KeepTrack Space Brief

CSIS analysis identifies 75 unusual orbital maneuvers by Chinese GEO satellites over 10 years, consistent with military reconnaissance. Track GEO objects via KeepTrack.

Space Brief 17 Apr 2025

Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.

X Report 12 May 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 100th Falcon 9 launch from Kennedy Space Center while facing a scrubbed attempt of the latest Starlink deployment.

X Report 17 Nov 2024

SpaceX readies for Starship Flight 6, stacking the megarocket for its upcoming launch on Nov. 19. Get details on the timing and mission objectives.

SpaceX Files Plans for Million-Satellite Orbital Data Center | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX files FCC plans for a million-satellite orbital data center constellation. Crew-12 launch timing depends on Artemis 2 mission. Cold weather delays launch window.

Starlink Launch Cadence: 54 Sats in One Day, X Report 13 Mar 2026

SpaceX Starlink launch cadence 2026: missions 26 and 27 lift off 37 minutes apart on March 13, with 25 and 29 satellites per Falcon 9, 54 in one morning.

X Report 3 Jan 2025

SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.