The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth
Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage
DELTA 1 R/B(1) (05815)
COSPAR: 1972-005B | Alt Name: Delta 87
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 31, 1972
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05815
International Designator
1972-005B
Decay Date
9/27/1978
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 1 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Delta 87
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
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
5.2
Diameter
1.4
Span
5.2
Dry Mass
785
Launch Mass
785
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
17.6095
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Delta DSV-3E-4
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
AJ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ablestar
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
AJ10-118E
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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