THOR ALTAIR R/B (01289)

COSPAR: 1965-021C | Alt Name: MG-18
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

March 18, 1965

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

4300B6

Launch Vehicle

Thor MG-18

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

01289

International Designator

1965-021C

Decay Date

9/6/1979

Basic Satellite Info

Name

THOR ALTAIR R/B

Alternative Name

MG-18

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

1.5

Diameter

0.5

Span

1.5

Dry Mass

24

Launch Mass

24

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

1.532

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

MG-18

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

LPC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

MG-18

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 27 Sep 2025

X Report 27 Sep 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides in both its Starship program and Starlink satellite deployments, with a successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites and preparations for upcoming missions.

X Report 13 Aug 2025

X Report 13 Aug 2025

SpaceX continues to innovate as it nears peak Falcon 9 launch rates while refining technologies pivotal for future Mars missions.

X Report 14 Jun 2025

X Report 14 Jun 2025

SpaceX achieves significant milestones with the launch of new Starlink satellites and the production of its 10 millionth Starlink kit amidst ongoing challenges with space station delays.

The Day America Reached Orbit

The Day America Reached Orbit

Sixty-three years ago, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, piloting Friendship 7 through three historic orbits that transformed the Space Race

The $30 Million Toilet That Keeps Breaking on the Way to the Moon

The $30 Million Toilet That Keeps Breaking on the Way to the Moon

Sixty years of space toilet engineering, a decade of development, and a $30 million contract - and the Artemis II crew still had to pee in bags on Day 1.

Space Brief 19 Jul 2025

Space Brief 19 Jul 2025

Today's highlights include a record-breaking high-altitude image of the sun, SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch, and various military developments. Stay informed with detailed updates on launches, reentries, and the latest advancements in drone technology.

Space Brief 17 May 2025

Space Brief 17 May 2025

Today's brief covers SES's satellite orchestration, SpaceX's defense role, cyber scorecards in DoD, and more.

X Report 24 Nov 2024

X Report 24 Nov 2024

SpaceX cancels Texas land-swap deal amid growing Starship presence and launches 20 Starlink satellites using the 400th Falcon 9 rocket.