THOR ABLESTAR R/B (01228)

COSPAR: 1965-017C | Alt Name: Ablestar 018
DECAYED

Image
THOR ABLESTAR R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 11, 1965

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

75-1-1

Launch Vehicle

Thor Ablestar

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

01228

International Designator

1965-017C

Decay Date

9/4/1967

Basic Satellite Info

Name

THOR ABLESTAR R/B

Alternative Name

Ablestar 018

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

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

600

Launch Mass

670

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

AJ10-104D

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

AJ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Ablestar

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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