DELTA 1 R/B(1) (10638)

COSPAR: 1978-012B | Alt Name: Delta 138
DECAYED

Image
DELTA 1 R/B(1) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 26, 1978

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 2914

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

10638

International Designator

1978-012B

Decay Date

2/21/1978

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B(1)

Alternative Name

Delta 138

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

6

Diameter

1.4

Span

6

Dry Mass

845

Launch Mass

845

Shape

Cyl + Skirt + Nozzle

Radar Cross Section

17.3925

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Delta SSPU DSV-3P-4

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MDAC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Delta/TR-201

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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