SATURN 5 R/B (03171)

COSPAR: 1968-025B | Alt Name: Saturn S-IVB-502

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 4, 1968

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Saturn V

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03171

International Designator

1968-025B

Decay Date

4/26/1968

Explore in the Catalog

S-IVB bus NASA United States satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SATURN 5 R/B

Alternative Name

Saturn S-IVB-502

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

MSFC

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

26.3

Diameter

6.6

Span

26.3

Dry Mass

11993

Launch Mass

79436

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Saturn S-IVB-502

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MDAC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

S-IVB

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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