SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Apr 2026
SpaceX secured a $178.5M Space Force contract to launch missile-tracking satellites from 2027, backing the Missile Track Custody threat-tracking layer.
Launch Date
October 3, 1985
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
NORAD ID
16115
International Designator
1985-092A
Decay Date
10/7/1985
Name
STS 51J
Alternative Name
Atlantis (STS 51-J)
Type
Status
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
85030
Launch Mass
93123
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
OV-104
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
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