Space Brief 16 Jun 2025
Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
CZ-2D R/B (55245)
COSPAR: 2023-006D | Alt Name: CZ-2D Y73 Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 13, 2023
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC43/94
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55245
International Designator
2023-006D
Decay Date
2/17/2024
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-2D R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-2D Y73 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
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
8
Diameter
3.3
Span
8
Dry Mass
4006
Launch Mass
4006
Shape
Cyl+sail
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-2D Stage 2
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
BWYIC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-2 Stage 2
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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