OBJECT L (61237)

COSPAR: 2024-173L | Alt Name: Jielong-3 Y4 Stage 4
DECAYED

Image
OBJECT L Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 24, 2024

Launch Site

YSLA

Launch Pad

LP4

Launch Vehicle

Jielong-3

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

61237

International Designator

2024-173L

Decay Date

10/18/2025

Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info

Name

OBJECT L

Alternative Name

Jielong-3 Y4 Stage 4

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

CZHJ

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

1.5

Diameter

1.5

Span

1.5

Dry Mass

500

Launch Mass

500

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

JL-3 Stage 4

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

CZHJ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Unknown

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.

Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit

Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit

SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.

Space Brief 4 Jun 2025

Space Brief 4 Jun 2025

Key developments include China's Shijian 26 satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's BAE Systems contract for missile-tracking satellites, and military advancements in space systems.

Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill, L3Harris Doubles Down on Space Business | KeepTrack Space Brief

Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill, L3Harris Doubles Down on Space Business | KeepTrack Space Brief

Senate clears $839B defense spending bill ensuring Pentagon space domain funding. L3Harris reaffirms space sector commitment amid Golden Dome expansion. York Space raises $629M in public offering.

GOES-G | The Day a Weather Satellite Exploded Over the Atlantic

GOES-G | The Day a Weather Satellite Exploded Over the Atlantic

Forty years ago today, a Delta 3914 lifted off Cape Canaveral with a weather satellite the country could not afford to lose. Seventy-one seconds later, its main engine cut off. Ninety-one seconds in, the range safety officer pressed his button. The third domino of a brutal 1986 had fallen.

Musk Locks In SpaceX Control With Trillion-Dollar Stake | KeepTrack X Report

Musk Locks In SpaceX Control With Trillion-Dollar Stake | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk moves to make himself unfireable at SpaceX as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon back a rival D2D joint venture challenging Starlink Mobile.

Artemis 2 Delayed by Upper Stage Issue, Falcon 9 Hits 33rd Flight | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Delayed by Upper Stage Issue, Falcon 9 Hits 33rd Flight | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA delays Artemis 2 for SLS upper stage fix and pad rollback. SpaceX Falcon 9 booster shatters reuse record with 33rd flight. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for defense work.

Space Brief 7 Oct 2025

Space Brief 7 Oct 2025

Explore the latest in satellite communications with Cubic's new terminals, strategic acquisitions by Firefly, China's IoT satellite achievements, and key military updates.

China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear

China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear

In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.