The Day America Pioneered Polar Orbits
Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program
CZ-3B R/B (63076)
COSPAR: 2025-036B | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 22, 2025
Launch Site
XSC
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
63076
International Designator
2025-036B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:03:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
27.11°
Right Ascension
123.26°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
164.16°
Period
513.53 min
Mean Motion
2.80 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-3B R/B
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CASC
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 63076U 25036B 26200.00235720 .00063140 -16305-6 20126-2 0 9996
2 63076 27.1099 123.2607 6912975 164.1559 239.4554 02.80410520 12437
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
12.4
Diameter
3.0
Span
12.4
Dry Mass
2800
Launch Mass
8400
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-3B Stage 3
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CALT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-3A 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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Races to Rebuild Workforce After Civilian Cuts | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force urgently rebuilds contracting workforce after civilian reductions. Pentagon defense strategy shifts focus to homeland defense. Tom Ainsworth named top Air Force space acquisition officer.
X Report 18 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple satellites, prepares for Starship Flight 6, and exciting collaborations with AST SpaceMobile.
X Report 21 Dec 2024
SpaceX prepares for Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission launch, while FAA updates license for Starship's next flight; Crew Dragon mission faces delays.
Space Brief 5 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into key military developments in space, including the Space Force's pioneering officer training and innovative small satellite communication strategies.
Van Allen Probe A Reenters March 10 After 14 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Van Allen Probe A (1,300 lbs) reenters today after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Most debris will burn up; ocean impact statistically likely.
Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX airs Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions. Falcon 9 completes static fire test for Crew-12 launch on Feb 11. Falcon 9 resumed flights after engine investigation.
Space Brief 14 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Firefly's acquisition, military tracking from the moon, France's boost in military space funding, and more.