M-3H R/B (10665)

COSPAR: 1978-014B | Alt Name: M-3H-2 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
M-3H R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 4, 1978

Launch Site

KSCUT

Launch Pad

M

Launch Vehicle

Mu-3H

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

10665

International Designator

1978-014B

Decay Date

2/12/1979

Basic Satellite Info

Name

M-3H R/B

Alternative Name

M-3H-2 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

ISAS

Country

Japan

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

2.3

Diameter

1.1

Span

2.3

Dry Mass

172

Launch Mass

172

Shape

Sphere + Cone

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

M-3A

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

NISS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

M-3A

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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