Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.
MINOTAUR R/B (42927)
COSPAR: 2017-050G | Alt Name: Minotaur IV (6) Stage 4
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 26, 2017
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC46
Launch Vehicle
Minotaur IV
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42927
International Designator
2017-050G
Decay Date
2/13/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MINOTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Minotaur IV (6) Stage 4
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
OATKC
Country
United States
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
1.8
Diameter
2.4
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
723
Launch Mass
723
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GCA/Orion 38
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
OATKC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Orion 38
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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