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THOR ALTAIR R/B (02129)
COSPAR: 1966-026B | Alt Name: Thor Burner 1 (4) Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 1966
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
4300B6
Launch Vehicle
Thor Burner 1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
02129
International Designator
1966-026B
Decay Date
5/11/2002
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR ALTAIR R/B
Alternative Name
Thor Burner 1 (4) Stage 2
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
0.8666
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FW4S S/N 20036
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
UTC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
FW4
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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