DELTA 1 R/B (04486)

COSPAR: 1970-055B | Alt Name: Delta 79 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
DELTA 1 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 23, 1970

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Thor Delta M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

04486

International Designator

1970-055B

Decay Date

5/27/2019

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B

Alternative Name

Delta 79 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

GSFC

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

Diameter

0.9

Span

1

Dry Mass

65

Launch Mass

718

Shape

Sphere + Cone

Radar Cross Section

1.4605

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Star 37D S/N 019

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

THKE

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Star 37

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.

Space Brief 28 Aug 2024

Space Brief 28 Aug 2024

A Falcon 9 booster fails to land, increasing GPS and PNT significance for national security, and NASA's SLS mobile launch platform costs soar.

X Report 12 Feb 2025

X Report 12 Feb 2025

SpaceX swaps Crew Dragon capsules with NASA to accelerate Crew-10 launch, and successfully launches multiple Starlink satellites into orbit.

SpaceX Eyes $1.75T Valuation in $75B IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Eyes $1.75T Valuation in $75B IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets a $75B IPO valuing the company at over $1.75 trillion, while Falcon 9 chases its 200th drone ship landing at Vandenberg.

X Report 23 Aug 2025

X Report 23 Aug 2025

This week's highlights include the successful launch of the X-37B spaceplane and the deployment of 24 new Starlink satellites, alongside preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10.

SpaceX Preps Seventh Starlink Launch of 2026 With 25 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Preps Seventh Starlink Launch of 2026 With 25 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starlink 17-20 launch of 25 satellites to polar orbit from Vandenberg pad 4E — seventh Starlink mission of the year. 11,009 total Starlink satellites launched to date.

Space Brief 22 Oct 2024

Space Brief 22 Oct 2024

Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's 99th operational launch, China's calibration satellite launch, and Space Force's role in a commercial space age. Special spotlight on the satellite YAOGAN 1!

Space Brief 26 Nov 2024

Space Brief 26 Nov 2024

Today's headlines include new launch schedules, military industrial base challenges, and NASA's exploration of historic Cold War sites. Discover significant space events and satellite insights.

Version 10.0.0 Release Notes

Version 10.0.0 Release Notes

The latest update introduces 3D satellite FOV cones, advanced sensor capabilities, and enhanced timelines, improving the way users interact with satellite data.