Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
DELTA 1 R/B (06237)
COSPAR: 1972-082C | Alt Name: Delta 91
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 15, 1972
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 0300
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06237
International Designator
1972-082C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:05:47 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
102.81°
Right Ascension
25.79°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
18.35°
Period
109.20 min
Mean Motion
13.19 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B
Alternative Name
Delta 91
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 06237U 72082C 26185.04568454 -.00000050 00000-0 21893-4 0 9998
2 06237 102.8141 25.7886 0361898 18.3542 146.3626 13.18718589584669
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
4.8
Diameter
1.4
Span
4.8
Dry Mass
756
Launch Mass
756
Shape
Cyl + Nozzle
Radar Cross Section
4.0937
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Delta DSV-3N-4
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
AJ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
DSV-3N
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
AJ10-118F
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 debut, while CRS-34 delivers 6,500 lbs of cargo to ISS aboard a Falcon 9.
X Report 30 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for major Starlink launch, while Starship developments continue to shape commercial spacefrontiers.
Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
X Report 18 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for a historic Falcon 9 landing attempt in The Bahamas, while also contributing to FAA air traffic control modernization.
Falcon 9 Returns to Flight, Crew-12 Targets Feb 11 Launch | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 returns to flight with Starlink 17-33 mission after brief stand-down. Crew-12 astronaut launch confirmed for Feb 11. SpaceX shifts Dragon launches away from pad 39A.
User-Inspired Update
A user suggestion led to the addition of new visualizations for satellites, debris, and unidentified objects across different orbits in KeepTrack.