The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
DELTA 1 R/B(1) (09786)
COSPAR: 1977-005B | Alt Name: Delta 128
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 28, 1977
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2914
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09786
International Designator
1977-005B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:54:56 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
28.01°
Right Ascension
335.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
284.34°
Period
103.10 min
Mean Motion
13.97 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Delta 128
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 09786U 77005B 26185.12148665 .00000324 00000-0 67757-4 0 9999
2 09786 28.0131 335.0208 0409136 284.3431 71.2045 13.96727389494771
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
6
Diameter
1.4
Span
6
Dry Mass
845
Launch Mass
845
Shape
Cyl + Skirt + Nozzle
Radar Cross Section
8.9462
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Delta SSPU DSV-3P-4
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
MDAC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Delta/TR-201
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
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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