CZ-4C R/B (43473)

COSPAR: 2018-045D | Alt Name: CZ-4C Y27 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
CZ-4C R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 20, 2018

Launch Site

XICLF

Launch Pad

LC3

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 4C

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

43473

International Designator

2018-045D

Decay Date

9/25/2018

Basic Satellite Info

Name

CZ-4C R/B

Alternative Name

CZ-4C Y27 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

CNSA

Country

China

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

6.9

Diameter

2.9

Span

6.9

Dry Mass

1000

Launch Mass

1000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

CZ-4C Stage 3

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

SAST

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

CZ-4 Stage 3

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 18 Feb 2025

X Report 18 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for a historic Falcon 9 landing attempt in The Bahamas, while also contributing to FAA air traffic control modernization.

X Report 16 Dec 2025

X Report 16 Dec 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its 100th Falcon 9 flight, deploying 29 Starlink satellites, while NASA plans to test SpaceX’s Starshield. Additionally, SpaceX engages in social media commentary regarding American Airlines' interest in Amazon's Starlink rival.

Space Brief 8 Apr 2025

Space Brief 8 Apr 2025

Key highlights include the launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut to the ISS, multi-billion dollar contracts awarded by the US Space Force, advancements in secure GPS technology, and a strategic ISR arrangement.

Space Brief 25 Jul 2025

Space Brief 25 Jul 2025

Today's briefing covers Spire Global's new intelligence products, a significant military buildup in the Pacific, Space Force organizational changes, and more.

Space Brief 17 Apr 2025

Space Brief 17 Apr 2025

Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.

New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully reused its first stage booster for the first time on Mission 3, launching April 19. Booster reuse accelerates operational tempo.

Trump Nominates Lt. Gen. Schiess as 3rd Space Force Chief | KeepTrack Space Brief

Trump Nominates Lt. Gen. Schiess as 3rd Space Force Chief | KeepTrack Space Brief

Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess nominated to lead Space Force, becoming the third Chief of Operations since the service's 2019 founding. Pentagon clears 8 firms for classified AI access.

The Day Two Satellites Said Hello at 26,000 Miles Per Hour

The Day Two Satellites Said Hello at 26,000 Miles Per Hour

Seventeen years ago today, an operational American communications satellite and a dead Russian military relay crossed paths over Siberia. What happened next created more than 2,000 pieces of trackable debris - and fundamentally changed how the world thinks about space traffic.