FALCON 9 R/B (55509)

COSPAR: 2023-017B | Alt Name: Falcon 9-203 Stage 2
DECAYED

Image
FALCON 9 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 7, 2023

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

55509

International Designator

2023-017B

Decay Date

12/11/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FALCON 9 R/B

Alternative Name

Falcon 9-203 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

SPX

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

12.6

Diameter

3.6

Span

12.6

Dry Mass

4000

Launch Mass

4000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

F9-203 St2

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

SPX

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

F9St2

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 24 Dec 2024

X Report 24 Dec 2024

SpaceX advances with Bandwagon-2 mission, gains approval for Starship Flight 7, and continues Starlink expansion.

X Report 12 Dec 2025

X Report 12 Dec 2025

SpaceX makes headlines with record-breaking launch operations, while plans for an IPO signal major changes in the company's trajectory and could inspire industry-wide movements.

Space Brief 9 Jan 2025

Space Brief 9 Jan 2025

Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.

X Report 21 Apr 2025

X Report 21 Apr 2025

SpaceX launches its 32nd cargo mission to the ISS, and NRO marks a milestone with over 200 satellites deployed.

SpaceX Eyes $60B Cursor AI Acquisition Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Eyes $60B Cursor AI Acquisition Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX secured a $60B option to acquire Cursor AI while launching its 40th Falcon 9 mission of 2026, deploying 24 more Starlink satellites from Vandenberg.

X Report 5 Feb 2025

X Report 5 Feb 2025

SpaceX launches Maxar's high-resolution imaging satellites, Ontario reconsiders its Starlink contract, and the countdown to NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission begins.

X Report 22 Mar 2025

X Report 22 Mar 2025

SpaceX achieves its 450th Falcon 9 launch, setting a new turnaround record, while its competitor ULA remains grounded, awaiting clearance from the Space Force.

Space Brief 16 Dec 2024

Space Brief 16 Dec 2024

Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.