Space Brief 9 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's upcoming Neutron rocket launch, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor project, and more.
ELECTRON KICK STAGE R/B (68293)
COSPAR: 2026-056C | Alt Name: N/A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 20, 2026
Launch Site
RLLC
Launch Pad
LC1B
Launch Vehicle
Electron
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
68293
International Designator
2026-056C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:57:19 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
50.28°
Right Ascension
152.15°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
149.40°
Period
92.61 min
Mean Motion
15.55 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ELECTRON KICK STAGE R/B
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RLABN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 68293U 26056C 26200.87314324 .00042056 00000+0 45471-3 0 9999
2 68293 50.2848 152.1511 0117685 149.4008 211.3898 15.54911003 18760
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
0.4
Diameter
1.2
Span
1.2
Dry Mass
50
Launch Mass
50
Shape
Trunc cone
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Electron Kick Stage
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RLABN
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Kick Stage
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Curie
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.
The Afternoon a Blurry Smudge Turned Pluto Into a Double Planet
On 22 June 1978, an astronomer at the U.S. Naval Observatory looked at photographic plates that had been stamped 'image defective' and noticed a small bump on the side of Pluto. The bump was a moon, and finding it finally let astronomers weigh a planet that had fooled them for half a century.
Kratos Wins $446M Space Force Missile-Warning Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Kratos Defense awarded $446M Space Force contract for RMWT missile-warning ground systems. Rocket Lab secures $190M Pentagon deal for 20 hypersonic test flights.
X Report 18 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while preparing for the upcoming Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Significant progress continues in their ongoing space endeavors.
Space Brief 13 Nov 2024
Today's focus spans critical developments in military space initiatives, strategic policy shifts, and modest steps in semiconductor advancements. Key developments include Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's progress in satellite programs, and potential policy changes under Trump's leadership.
Space Brief 21 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers influential space events including Space Force's interest in Starship, U.S. military constellation advancements, and technological developments in counter-drone capabilities.
Space Brief 3 Jul 2025
Today's coverage includes the cancellation of DARPA's DRACO nuclear propulsion project, global shifts in Earth observation strategy, and new developments in satellite technology and military collaborations.
Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards first-of-its-kind $52M contract to Starfish Space for deorbiting defunct satellites. AST SpaceMobile selected for Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program. $26B Space Force budget confirmed.