The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
SMS 1 AKM (09998)
COSPAR: 1974-033F | Alt Name: SVM-5
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 17, 1974
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2914
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09998
International Designator
1974-033F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:18:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
7.34°
Right Ascension
70.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
24.59°
Period
1239.42 min
Mean Motion
1.16 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
SMS 1 AKM
Alternative Name
SVM-5
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 09998U 74033F 26200.13805193 -.00000179 00000+0 00000+0 0 9998
2 09998 7.3370 70.4530 0273343 24.5870 336.7092 01.16182999 54469
Source: Celestrak
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
0.9
Diameter
0.8
Span
0.9
Dry Mass
31
Launch Mass
342
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.3981
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SVM-5
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
AJ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SVM
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
SVM-5
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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