SATCOM 4 R/B [PAM-D] (13088)

COSPAR: 1982-004B | Alt Name: Delta 159 PAM-D

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 16, 1982

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3910/PAM

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

13088

International Designator

1982-004B

Decay Date

11/2/1988

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SATCOM 4 R/B [PAM-D]

Alternative Name

Delta 159 PAM-D

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

Diameter

1.2

Span

Dry Mass

132

Launch Mass

2141

Shape

Sphere + Cone

Radar Cross Section

3.0305

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Star 48 S/N 10009-8

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

THKE

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Star 48

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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