CZ-3B R/B (40939)

COSPAR: 2015-053B | Alt Name: CZ-3B Y33 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
CZ-3B R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 29, 2015

Launch Site

XICLF

Launch Pad

LC3

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 3B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

40939

International Designator

2015-053B

Decay Date

4/8/2016

Basic Satellite Info

Name

CZ-3B R/B

Alternative Name

CZ-3B Y33 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

CASC

Country

China

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

12.4

Diameter

3

Span

12.4

Dry Mass

2800

Launch Mass

8400

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

11.9953

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

CZ-3B Stage 3

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

CALT

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

CZ-3A Stage 3

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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