Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.
DELTA 1 R/B (00979)
COSPAR: 1965-004B | Alt Name: Delta 28 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 22, 1965
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00979
International Designator
1965-004B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:45:40 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
96.41°
Right Ascension
33.63°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
225.36°
Period
118.47 min
Mean Motion
12.16 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B
Alternative Name
Delta 28 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 00979U 65004B 26184.99005155 .00000106 00000-0 15389-3 0 9991
2 00979 96.4140 33.6333 1138042 225.3641 124.8994 12.15533696717603
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
1.5
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
60
Launch Mass
60
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.469
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Altair 2 X-258C4 RH-79
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ABL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Altair
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 16 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's AI integration, new naming conventions for satellites, and updates on military and satellite acquisition strategies.
Space Brief 6 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers Iceye's new aerospace service for defense clients, ESA's plan for dual-use satellites, and key defense agreements impacting satellite technology.
SpaceX Unveils Stargaze SSA System, Explores xAI Merger Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX unveils Stargaze space situational awareness system during 13th launch of January. Reports surface of SpaceX-xAI merger talks ahead of potential IPO. Dual-coast Starlink launches from CA and FL.
Starship V3 Static Fire Ignites 33 Engines, X Report 15 Apr 2026
SpaceX fired all 33 Raptor 3 engines in the Starship V3 static fire at Starbase, clearing Flight 12. Plus 1,000 Starlink satellites launched in 2026.
Space Brief 30 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.
X Report 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites and deploys a new batch of spy satellites for the US government.
Understanding Earth's Orbits and Their Applications
Explore the dynamic realms of Earth's orbits, from LEO to GEO, unraveling the crucial roles they play in global communication, navigation, and surveillance.