Space Brief 8 Aug 2025
Today's brief highlights significant shifts in military space spending due to the Golden Dome program, the U.S. Space Force's advancements in tactical satellite communications, and NASA's race to nuclear power in space.
SCOUT X-3M R/B (00534)
COSPAR: 1963-005B | Alt Name: Scout S126 Stage 4
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 19, 1963
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
LC-D
Launch Vehicle
Scout X-3M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00534
International Designator
1963-005B
Decay Date
5/29/1984
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SCOUT X-3M R/B
Alternative Name
Scout S126 Stage 4
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LARCN
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
1.5
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
24
Launch Mass
248
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.6518
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
MG-18 S/N 6
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LPC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
MG-18
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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