SATURN 1B R/B (06656)

COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Saturn S-IVB-206
DECAYED

Image
SATURN 1B R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 25, 1973

Launch Pad

Unknown

Launch Vehicle

Unknown

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06656

International Designator

N/A

Decay Date

5/25/1973

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SATURN 1B R/B

Alternative Name

Saturn S-IVB-206

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

MSFC

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

18.7

Diameter

6.6

Span

18.7

Dry Mass

12602

Launch Mass

12602

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Saturn S-IVB-206

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MDAC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

S-IVB

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.

X Report 27 Oct 2025

X Report 27 Oct 2025

SpaceX achieves a significant milestone with over 10,000 satellites launched, the West Coast welcomes Falcon Heavy launches, and developments around Artemis 3 prompt competitive discourse.

Space Brief 21 Jul 2025

Space Brief 21 Jul 2025

Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, fascinating exoplanet discoveries, and strategic lunar developments by China and South Korea.

Space Brief 8 Apr 2025

Space Brief 8 Apr 2025

Key highlights include the launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut to the ISS, multi-billion dollar contracts awarded by the US Space Force, advancements in secure GPS technology, and a strategic ISR arrangement.

X Report 9 Dec 2024

X Report 9 Dec 2024

SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.

Space Brief 12 May 2025

Space Brief 12 May 2025

Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.

Space Brief 25 Nov 2025

Space Brief 25 Nov 2025

Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.

Pentagon Seeks Commercially Built GEO Spy Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Seeks Commercially Built GEO Spy Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon's DIU seeks commercial partners for GEO spy satellites. SpaceX unveils space traffic management system. Bahamas rocket landings resume. GPS III falls short in modern warfare.

X Report 15 Nov 2025

X Report 15 Nov 2025

SpaceX made headlines with back-to-back Falcon 9 launches from Florida, successfully deploying 29 additional Starlink satellites, further enhancing its extensive broadband network.