X Report 19 Apr 2025
SpaceX faces regulatory review for Bahamian rocket landings, positions itself for a major government contract, and a new Star Wars Lego set adds to the fun!
STS 51C (15496)
COSPAR: 1985-010A | Alt Name: Discovery (STS 51-C)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 24, 1985
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15496
International Designator
1985-010A
Decay Date
1/27/1985
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 51C
Alternative Name
Discovery (STS 51-C)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 51C, also known as Discovery (STS 51-C), is an American winged orbiter spacecraft manufactured by RWI and owned by JSC. It was launched on January 24, 1985, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The satellite measures 37.3 meters in length with a diameter of 23.8 meters and a span of 37.3 meters. Its dry mass is 84,525 kg, and it was launched with a total mass of 90,925 kg. STS 51C is powered by fuel cells and batteries and equipped with two OME (AJ10-190) motors for its propulsion system. The satellite has a box shape with wings and fins, designed primarily as a crewed spacecraft.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
84525
Launch Mass
90925
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
OV-103
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.
25 Starlinks Lofted from Vandenberg in Latest West Coast Push | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg SFB on March 8, growing a constellation now totaling 9,924 active orbital nodes.
Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.
Space Brief 1 Jul 2025
Key developments in the space sector include new partnerships for satellite surveillance, strategic shifts from the Defense Department impacting weather forecasting, and the Space Force's focus on agile satellite technologies.
Artemis 2 Crew Arrives for April 1 Lunar Flyby Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 astronauts arrive at KSC for April 1 launch. Four-person crew will fly lunar free-return trajectory, first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Transporter 16 Carries 119 Payloads to SSO, X Report 29 Mar 2026
Transporter 16 carries 119 payloads: SpaceX's rideshare mission targets Sun-synchronous orbit from Vandenberg, one of its densest manifests yet.
X Report 1 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites, marking another milestone for its broadband internet service. Meanwhile, the latest GPS III satellite was also launched for the U.S. military, showcasing SpaceX's multifaceted capabilities.
SpaceX Postpones Falcon Heavy Launch Carrying Secretive X-37B Spaceplane
SpaceX delays the much-anticipated Falcon Heavy launch of the secretive X-37B military spaceplane, marking a significant moment in space exploration and military technology.