Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
CZ-2C R/B (62078)
COSPAR: 2024-218A | Alt Name: CZ-2C Yxx Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 24, 2024
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
TYSC -
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62078
International Designator
2024-218A
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:09:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.53°
Right Ascension
216.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
252.97°
Period
94.45 min
Mean Motion
15.25 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-2C R/B
Alternative Name
CZ-2C Yxx Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62078U 24218A 26201.04822383 .00002919 00000+0 11867-3 0 9997
2 62078 97.5342 216.7526 0042007 252.9733 106.6899 15.24590487 91462
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
8.4
Diameter
3.3
Span
8.4
Dry Mass
3800
Launch Mass
3800
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-2C Stage 2
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CALT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-2 Stage 2
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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