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.
FALCON 9 R/B (41381)
COSPAR: 2016-013B | Alt Name: Falcon 9-022 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2016
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
41381
International Designator
2016-013B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:48:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
27.42°
Right Ascension
244.80°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
321.79°
Period
701.22 min
Mean Motion
2.05 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
FALCON 9 R/B
Alternative Name
Falcon 9-022 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SPX
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 41381U 16013B 26185.28390499 -.00000416 00000-0 -95039-4 0 9997
2 41381 27.4167 244.7989 7403407 321.7937 4.2576 2.05357791 75663
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
12.6
Diameter
3.6
Span
12.6
Dry Mass
4000
Launch Mass
4000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
12.9426
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
F9-022 St2
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPX
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
F9St2
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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