X Report 23 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8 amidst Starlink's growing presence in global internet markets.
STS 1 (OFT-1) (12399)
COSPAR: 1981-034A | Alt Name: Columbia (STS-1)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 12, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12399
International Designator
1981-034A
Decay Date
4/14/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 1 (OFT-1)
Alternative Name
Columbia (STS-1)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 1 (OFT-1), also known as Columbia (STS-1), is a winged orbiter spacecraft operated by JSC and manufactured by RWI. It was launched on April 12, 1981, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length, 23.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 37.3 meters. It had a dry mass of 83,869 kilograms and a launch mass of 89,739 kilograms. Equipped with fuel cells and batteries for power, it was configured as a crewed spacecraft with the mission purpose to serve as a crewed spacecraft. The satellite's shape is described as Box + 2 Wing + Fin and uses two OME (AJ10-190) motors.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
83869
Launch Mass
89739
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
OV-102
Purpose
Crewed Spacecraft
Mission
Crewed Spacecraft
Manufacturer
RWI
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
STS OV
Configuration
Winged orbiter
Motor
2 x OME (AJ10-190)
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Fuel cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 8 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.
Space Force Buys Second Otter Spacecraft for On-Orbit Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force procures second Otter spacecraft for satellite repositioning. Momentus and NASA sign Space Act Agreement for orbital servicing tests. Pentagon delays contractor review.
Space Brief 7 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include a record-breaking event at the International Space Station, significant funding for hypersonic missile production, and several key military developments impacting space strategy.
The International Scientific Optical Network (ISON)
How a controversial telescope network has become a significant player in tracking the increasingly crowded orbital environment, raising important questions about transparency, dual-use technologies, and the future of space situational awareness.
The Day That Changed Spaceflight Forever
Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management
X Report 13 Mar 2025
SpaceX scrubs Crew-10 launch due to hydraulics issue; successful Falcon 9 launch for NASA missions, and Texas supports SpaceX expansion.
X Report 17 Feb 2025
Key insights on Starship development challenges and latest Starlink satellite status.