DELTA 1 R/B (06978)

COSPAR: 1973-101B | Alt Name: Delta 99
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

December 16, 1973

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2W

Launch Vehicle

Delta 1900

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06978

International Designator

1973-101B

Decay Date

8/14/1974

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B

Alternative Name

Delta 99

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

GSFC

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

4.8

Diameter

1.4

Span

4.8

Dry Mass

771

Launch Mass

771

Shape

Cyl + Nozzle

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Delta DSV-3E-5

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

AJ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

DSV-3E-5

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

AJ10-118F

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 4 Oct 2025

Space Brief 4 Oct 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights major developments in satellite launches, regulatory milestones for spectrum sales, and the evolving landscape of space-related cyber conflicts.

The Day Space Became Crowded

The Day Space Became Crowded

Eight years ago, a single Indian rocket launched 104 satellites into orbit, marking a pivotal moment when space tracking professionals realized the dawn of a new, congested era in orbital operations

Space Brief 19 Feb 2025

Space Brief 19 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.

Space Brief 29 Jan 2025

Space Brief 29 Jan 2025

Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.

Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.

Space Brief 26 Jun 2025

Space Brief 26 Jun 2025

Exploring new defense agreements with Eutelsat, advances in U.S. Space Force projects, and updates on NATO's strategic discussions.

Artemis 2 Tracker - Follow Orion's Flight Path in 3D

Artemis 2 Tracker - Follow Orion's Flight Path in 3D

Follow the complete Artemis II mission in KeepTrack's 3D tracker. Replay Orion's full flight path from launch through the lunar flyby to Pacific splashdown, and scrub to any moment of the ten-day mission.

Space Brief 6 Oct 2025

Space Brief 6 Oct 2025

Today's highlights include Firefly's acquisition of SciTec, DARPA's vision for a moon economy, and ESA's new deep space antenna in Australia. Stay updated on the latest in space intelligence and defense technology transformations, plus noteworthy rogue planet phenomena.