SATURN 5 R/B (04904)

COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Saturn S-IVB-509

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 31, 1971

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

Unknown

Launch Vehicle

Unknown

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

04904

International Designator

N/A

Decay Date

2/4/1971

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SATURN 5 R/B

Alternative Name

Saturn S-IVB-509

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

MSFC

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

20.8

Diameter

6.6

Span

20.8

Dry Mass

11209

Launch Mass

90815

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Saturn S-IVB-509

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MDAC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

S-IVB

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.

NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Military Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO awards three commercial satellite contracts, expanding scope to dynamic military target tracking. Former NASA chief Bridenstine joins Quantum Space for cislunar operations.

Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report

A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.

Space Brief 18 Nov 2024

Today’s Space Brief covers the deployment of a new optical sensor for the Space Force, SpaceX's recent Starlink satellite launch, and significant investment in space cargo vehicles.

X Report 22 Apr 2025

Amid multiple new launches, SpaceX marks its 300th orbital flight milestone at Cape Canaveral while pushing forward with cargo and reentry missions.

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 10 Jun 2025

Exciting advancements from SpaceX include the debut of a new Dragon capsule for Axiom Space, continued Starlink deployments, and significant shifts in U.S. rural broadband funding that could benefit Starlink.

Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2's four-person crew splashed down April 10 after first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. Orion performance data critical for Artemis 3 south pole landing planning.

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile Unite vs Starlink D2D, X Report 18 May 2026

Starlink direct-to-device competition unites AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for the first time as SpaceX's 10,354 working satellites reshape mobile coverage.