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Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
KZ-1A R/B (57403)
COSPAR: 2023-101E | Alt Name: KZ-1A Y22 Stage 4
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 2023
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC43/95A
Launch Vehicle
Kuaizhou-1A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57403
International Designator
2023-101E
Decay Date
7/25/2023
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
KZ-1A R/B
Alternative Name
KZ-1A Y22 Stage 4
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
EXPACE
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
1
Diameter
0.5
Span
1
Dry Mass
50
Launch Mass
50
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KZ-1A-4
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CASIC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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