Van Allen Probe A Reenters March 10 After 14 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Van Allen Probe A (1,300 lbs) reenters today after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Most debris will burn up; ocean impact statistically likely.
SL-11 R/B (04093)
COSPAR: 1969-077B | Alt Name: R-36O No. 50T Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 15, 1969
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC191/66
Launch Vehicle
R-36O 8K69
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04093
International Designator
1969-077B
Decay Date
9/16/1969
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-11 R/B
Alternative Name
R-36O No. 50T Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
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
9.4
Diameter
3
Span
9.4
Dry Mass
5000
Launch Mass
5000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8S692
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
8S692
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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