Space Brief 8 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include Russia's record-setting satellite launch, insights from NASA's AWE during Hurricane Helene, and confirmation of astronaut Suni Williams' good health aboard the ISS.
FALCON HEAVY R/B (56373)
COSPAR: 2023-060D | Alt Name: Falcon Heavy-006 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 1, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Falcon Heavy
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56373
International Designator
2023-060D
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:13:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
2.92°
Right Ascension
77.91°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
176.01°
Period
1374.80 min
Mean Motion
1.05 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
FALCON HEAVY R/B
Alternative Name
Falcon Heavy-006 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SPX
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56373U 23060D 26201.25959581 -.00000043 00000+0 00000+0 0 9996
2 56373 2.9214 77.9124 0013524 176.0088 125.5819 01.04742632 12316
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
12.6
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
FH-006 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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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