Space Brief 14 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
EPSILON R/B (43153)
COSPAR: 2018-007B | Alt Name: Epsilon 3 PBS
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 17, 2018
Launch Site
KSCUT
Launch Pad
EP
Launch Vehicle
Epsilon
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43153
International Designator
2018-007B
Decay Date
8/22/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EPSILON R/B
Alternative Name
Epsilon 3 PBS
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ISASJ
Country
Japan
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
1.2
Diameter
1.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
185
Launch Mass
280
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Post-Boost Stage
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
JAXA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
EPBS
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 25 Feb 2025
SpaceX has completed the investigation into Starship Flight 7, announcing causes ahead of the next planned launch, while numerous missions are lined up for launch this week.
Space Brief 7 May 2025
Today's briefing focuses on key developments in military space activities, technological advancements, and strategic challenges faced by the U.S. in space dominance. Notably, the Space Force is expanding its missile warning capabilities, and significant funding discussions are underway.
X Report 16 Dec 2024
SpaceX announces SPHEREx launch date for February 2025, and Airbus completes delivery of Thuraya 4 satellite for upcoming launch.
X Report 8 Jul 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 500th Falcon 9 mission during a week of notable developments, including ongoing Starlink deployments and changes in U.S. military plans.
Space Brief 7 Oct 2025
Explore the latest in satellite communications with Cubic's new terminals, strategic acquisitions by Firefly, China's IoT satellite achievements, and key military updates.
The Rocket That Refused to Sink
On April 18, 2014, a Falcon 9 first stage did something no orbital rocket had ever done before. It fired its engines on the way down, steered itself through the atmosphere using grid fins that did not yet exist, and touched the Atlantic Ocean softly enough to survive the impact. Nobody recovered it. The data was the whole point.
Transporter-16 Lofts 119 Payloads to SSO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches 119 payloads on Transporter-16, the 21st smallsat rideshare mission, from Vandenberg SFB at 1102 UTC.