X Report 9 Dec 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on the record-breaking 32nd flight of its Falcon 9 rocket. Elon Musk discusses a potential future as a Type II civilization, emphasizing the role of AI and satellite technology.
LAUNCHERONE R/B (48871)
COSPAR: 2021-058A | Alt Name: LauncherOne R04 Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 30, 2021
Launch Site
WRAS
Launch Pad
RW12/30
Launch Vehicle
LauncherOne
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48871
International Designator
2021-058A
Decay Date
8/25/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
LAUNCHERONE R/B
Alternative Name
LauncherOne R04 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VORB
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
3.4
Diameter
1.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
200
Launch Mass
200
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
LauncherOne Stage 2
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
VORB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
L1-S2
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.
Second Starlink Satellite Generates Debris; Falcon 9 Booster Flies 34th Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Second Starlink satellite malfunctioned on orbit and generated debris within three months of prior event. Falcon 9 booster completed record 34th mission from Cape Canaveral.
Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.
SDA Awards $1.75B for Golden Dome Missile Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
SDA hands L3Harris and Sierra Space $1.75B to build missile warning satellites for Pentagon's Golden Dome shield, targeting 2028 demonstration under accelerated schedule.
The $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up
Russia's Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system was purpose-built to jam Starlink. It costs around $1.5 million per unit, covers just 20 square kilometers, and can only target one satellite at a time. Ukraine has been finding and destroying them within days of deployment.
X Report 15 Feb 2025
SpaceX sets a reuse record with Falcon 9, advances Starship program, while Starlink influences satellite market dynamics.
Space Brief 19 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a record-breaking high-altitude image of the sun, SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch, and various military developments. Stay informed with detailed updates on launches, reentries, and the latest advancements in drone technology.
AI Outperforms Human Planners in Air Force Battle Management Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
AI tools outperform human planners in Air Force battle management experiment. DARPA pursues quantum computing interoperability. Canada's Atlantic Spaceport Complex gets environmental approval.