The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth
Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage
CZ-4C R/B (53699)
COSPAR: 2022-106B | Alt Name: CZ-4C Y52 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 2, 2022
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC43/94
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
53699
International Designator
2022-106B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:51:17 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.05°
Right Ascension
285.61°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
41.06°
Period
95.80 min
Mean Motion
15.03 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4C R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-4C Y52 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 53699U 22106B 26201.20228595 .00000890 00000+0 62754-4 0 9991
2 53699 98.0474 285.6134 0109170 41.0644 319.8733 15.03191200211888
Source: Celestrak
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
6.9
Diameter
2.9
Span
6.9
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
1000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-4C Stage 3
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-4 Stage 3
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 16 Aug 2025
SpaceX receives FAA approval for its 10th Starship test flight scheduled for August 24, while also making strides in construction at the Cape and contesting broadband funding in Virginia.
When Will SpaceX Go Public?
As SpaceX continues to make groundbreaking advancements in the space industry, investors are eagerly anticipating the company's potential IPO. Learn about the factors influencing SpaceX's decision to go public and the estimated timeline for this highly anticipated event.
Space Brief 9 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers significant developments in international rocket designs, recent astronaut health updates, and advancements in supersonic flight technology.
X Report 8 May 2025
SpaceX launches 28 more Starlink satellites while addressing conflicts of interest and expanding home connectivity with a new router.
Space Force Forecasts 25 Extra Heavy-Lift Missions Through 2029 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects 25 additional high-energy missions in 2027–2029 window, straining capacity at Vulcan and Falcon Heavy. Capacity constraints will drive military-NASA prioritization debates.
Space Brief 16 Sep 2024
Highlights of the day include the Polaris Dawn mission's splashdown, advances in space traffic management, and intriguing astronomy insights from the cloud's edge.
The Feasibility of Transitioning from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine
As Ukraine explores alternatives to SpaceX's Starlink, the potential adoption of Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite network raises critical questions about connectivity, resilience, and strategic autonomy.