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FALCON 9 R/B (42968)
COSPAR: 2017-063B | Alt Name: Falcon 9-044 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 11, 2017
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42968
International Designator
2017-063B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:14:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
27.84°
Right Ascension
131.48°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
354.87°
Period
270.12 min
Mean Motion
5.33 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FALCON 9 R/B
Alternative Name
Falcon 9-044 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 42968U 17063B 26185.09326848 .00169112 48677-6 16695-2 0 9995
2 42968 27.8418 131.4816 5264891 354.8651 1.3163 5.33087685102396
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
F9-044 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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