Artemis 2 Crew Reaches Moon, NASA Cuts Budget 25% | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2's four astronauts entered lunar sphere of influence April 6, first crewed arrival since Apollo 17. NASA simultaneously proposed 25% budget cut for FY2027.
ELECTRON KICK STAGE R/B (49953)
COSPAR: 2021-120E | Alt Name: Electron 23 Kick Stage
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 9, 2021
Launch Site
RLLB
Launch Pad
LC1A
Launch Vehicle
Electron
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49953
International Designator
2021-120E
Decay Date
12/14/2021
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ELECTRON KICK STAGE R/B
Alternative Name
Electron 23 Kick Stage
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RLABN
Country
New Zealand
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
0.4
Diameter
1.2
Span
1.2
Dry Mass
40
Launch Mass
40
Shape
Trunc cone
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Electron Kick Stage
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RLABN
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Kick Stage
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Curie
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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