Space Brief 27 Aug 2025
Today's key space events include SpaceX's launch of the secretive X-37B military drone, XTAR's U.S. defense market strategy, and China's space station AI upgrade.
ATLAS AGENA R/B (06318)
COSPAR: 1972-101B | Alt Name: Agena D 2805
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 20, 1972
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC13
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3A Agena D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06318
International Designator
1972-101B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:25:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
8.59°
Right Ascension
221.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
189.12°
Period
1407.39 min
Mean Motion
1.02 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS AGENA R/B
Alternative Name
Agena D 2805
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 06318U 72101B 26184.64297474 -.00000201 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 06318 8.5939 221.6160 1249918 189.1227 168.4107 1.02317093 27491
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
6.3
Diameter
1.5
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
600
Launch Mass
600
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Agena D
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMSC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Agena D
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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