Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
CZ-4C R/B (57491)
COSPAR: 2023-111B | Alt Name: CZ-4C Y44 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 3, 2023
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC43/94
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 4C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57491
International Designator
2023-111B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:34:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.83°
Right Ascension
341.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
347.52°
Period
98.81 min
Mean Motion
14.57 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-4C R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-4C Y44 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57491U 23111B 26201.10728940 .00000079 00000+0 27339-4 0 9999
2 57491 98.8287 341.5072 0136267 347.5234 12.2600 14.57281648157465
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
6.9
Diameter
2.9
Span
6.9
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
1000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-4C Stage 3
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-4 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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