Space Brief 1 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.
CZ-7A R/B (55132)
COSPAR: 2023-002B | Alt Name: CZ-7A Y4 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 8, 2023
Launch Site
WSC
Launch Pad
LC201
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 7A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55132
International Designator
2023-002B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:43:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
16.46°
Right Ascension
275.77°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
71.66°
Period
321.29 min
Mean Motion
4.48 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-7A R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-7A Y4 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55132U 23002B 26200.19684664 .00048453 50216-6 99080-3 0 9990
2 55132 16.4604 275.7717 5773698 71.6644 340.6806 04.48189122 45283
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
12.4
Diameter
3
Span
12.4
Dry Mass
2800
Launch Mass
8400
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-7A Stage 3
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CALT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-3A 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
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