CZ-5B R/B

CZ-5B R/B is no longer on orbit

NORAD ID: 48275

Int'l Code: 2021-035B

Launch date: April 29, 2021
Source: People's Republic of China (PRC)
Launch site: Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSC)
Decay date: 2021-05-09

The Long March 5B launched the core module of China's space station into orbit on April 28. Satellite and space debris monitoring groups are keeping a close eye on the big rocket's core stage, which will fall to Earth in an uncontrolled manner soon. Leftover debris from its fiery fall could reach terra firma.

The remnants of Long March 5B rocket reportedly landed in the Indian Ocean on Sunday -- late Saturday night Eastern U.S. time -- after its uncontrolled descent was tracked around the world over the past week.

CZ-5B R/B had an estimated landing area of 72.47°E longitude and 2.65°N latitude, just west of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, China's National Space Agency said in a post on WeChat.

Note: This is a ROCKET BODY