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.
CZ-12 R/B (67531)
COSPAR: 2026-013K | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 19, 2026
Launch Site
WSC
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 12
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
67531
International Designator
2026-013K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:06:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
49.99°
Right Ascension
153.55°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
30.76°
Period
101.80 min
Mean Motion
14.14 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
CZ-12 R/B
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
CNSA
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 67531U 26013K 26200.58769571 -.00000280 00000+0 -62850-4 0 9998
2 67531 49.9896 153.5540 0068701 30.7558 329.7350 14.14477894 25658
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
10.0
Diameter
3.8
Span
10.0
Dry Mass
6000
Launch Mass
6000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CZ-12 Stage 2
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CZ-12 Stage 2
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
YF-115
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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