DELTA 1 R/B(2) (12494)

COSPAR: 1981-049C | Alt Name: Delta 154 Stage 3

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 22, 1981

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3914

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12494

International Designator

1981-049C

Decay Date

9/21/1982

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B(2)

Alternative Name

Delta 154 Stage 3

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

1.7

Diameter

0.9

Span

1.7

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

1123

Shape

Sphere + Cone

Radar Cross Section

0.31

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Star 37E S/N 40091

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

THKE

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Star 37

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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