Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
FALCON 9 R/B (42819)
COSPAR: 2017-041B | Alt Name: Falcon 9-039 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 5, 2017
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42819
International Designator
2017-041B
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:55:11 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
25.09°
Right Ascension
173.39°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
88.25°
Period
691.81 min
Mean Motion
2.08 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FALCON 9 R/B
Alternative Name
Falcon 9-039 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 42819U 17041B 26183.62165747 .00038310 -81058-6 33106-2 0 9994
2 42819 25.0891 173.3876 7462738 88.2511 347.3404 2.08148983 63702
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
F9-039 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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