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ATLAS H R/B (14691)
COSPAR: 1984-012B | Alt Name: MSD plume shield
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 5, 1984
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
14691
International Designator
1984-012B
Decay Date
4/4/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS H R/B
Alternative Name
MSD plume shield
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
Naval Research Laboratory
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
0.1
Diameter
1.8
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
20
Launch Mass
20
Shape
Disk
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
MSD-PS
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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