The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
ARIANE 5 R/B (40615)
COSPAR: 2015-022C | Alt Name: Ariane 5 L576 ESC-A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 26, 2015
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5ECA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40615
International Designator
2015-022C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:40:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
5.61°
Right Ascension
87.90°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.33°
Period
451.72 min
Mean Motion
3.19 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ARIANE 5 R/B
Alternative Name
Ariane 5 L576 ESC-A
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AE
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40615U 15022C 26184.56968338 .00003379 00000-0 47302-3 0 9996
2 40615 5.6094 87.9015 6606200 278.3350 16.9673 3.18779472107907
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
7
Diameter
5.5
Span
7
Dry Mass
5000
Launch Mass
5000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
31.1307
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ESC-A FM48
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ASFL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
ESC-A
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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