China's Shenlong Deploys Six Objects
Details on China's current Shenlong spaceplane mission and its recent deployment of six objects.
DELTA 1 R/B (04251)
COSPAR: 1969-101B | Alt Name: Delta 74 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 22, 1969
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04251
International Designator
1969-101B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:27:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
27.92°
Right Ascension
8.79°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
63.41°
Period
309.76 min
Mean Motion
4.65 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
DELTA 1 R/B
Alternative Name
Delta 74 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04251U 69101B 26184.76921523 .00001410 00000-0 10169-2 0 9990
2 04251 27.9180 8.7873 5538864 63.4121 342.3987 4.64876388679945
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
1
Diameter
0.9
Span
1
Dry Mass
65
Launch Mass
718
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
1.804
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 37D S/N 017
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 37
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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