MINOTAUR 4 R/B (63598)

COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: N/A

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 16, 2025

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

Unknown

Launch Vehicle

Unknown

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

63598

International Designator

N/A

Decay Date

Unknown

Explore in the Catalog

Orion 38 bus United States satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MINOTAUR 4 R/B

Alternative Name

N/A

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

SMC

Country

United States

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

2.5

Diameter

2.4

Span

2.5

Dry Mass

500

Launch Mass

500

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

GCA/Orion 38

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

NGISC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Orion 38

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.

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.

Space Brief 31 May 2025

Today's brief covers a significant GPS satellite launch by SpaceX, China's classified satellite mission, and Rocket Lab's strategic steps in the defense sector.

Booster 20 Fires All 33 Engines in Record Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX completed a full 33-engine static fire on Booster 20, the longest duration test to date. The milestone clears a major hurdle before the next Starship flight attempt.

X Report 23 May 2025

The FAA has approved Starship Flight 9, paving the way for an upcoming test launch, while SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS after weather delays.

Space Brief 27 Oct 2025

Today's space highlights include the US Space Force's advanced tracking contract, a milestone in SpaceX's Starlink program, and a new initiative to remove space debris.

Starlink Restrictions Disrupt Russian Battlefield Communications | KeepTrack Space Brief

Starlink restrictions reportedly hit Moscow's drone coordination and frontline comms. SpaceX and xAI enter Pentagon's $100M drone contest. Sentinel ICBM to clear key review this year.

GPS III SV-10 Moves to Falcon 9 After Vulcan Grounded | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX claims a 2nd GPS III launch as ULA's Vulcan investigation stalls, while ESA charters a Crew Dragon ISS mission and Starlink hits 30 launches in 2026.

Space Brief 12 Dec 2024

U.S. Space Force's Europe operations amidst Ukraine conflict, Maxar's new partnership, integration of military and commercial tech, and the Pentagon's new AI initiatives shape today's space discourse.