FALCON 9 R/B (43218)

COSPAR: 2018-020D | Alt Name: Falcon 9-050 Stage 2

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 22, 2018

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

43218

International Designator

2018-020D

Decay Date

2/22/2018

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FALCON 9 R/B

Alternative Name

Falcon 9-050 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

SPX

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

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

F9-050 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

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