STS 61A (16230)

COSPAR: 1985-104A | Alt Name: Challenger (STS 61-A)
DECAYED

Image
STS 61A Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 30, 1985

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

16230

International Designator

1985-104A

Decay Date

11/6/1985

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STS 61A

Alternative Name

Challenger (STS 61-A)

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

JSC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STS 61A, also known as Challenger (STS 61-A), is a crewed spacecraft with a winged orbiter configuration launched by the US on October 30, 1985, from LC39A at AFETR using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length and span and 23.8 meters in diameter. The spacecraft features a dry mass of 82,423 kg and was launched with a total mass of 88,535 kg. Its mission purpose is crewed spaceflight, and it is equipped with fuel cells and batteries for power generation. Manufactured by RWI, STS 61A has been operated by JSC and utilized for various space missions since its launch date. The spacecraft's shape resembles a box with two wings and fins.
Physical Characteristics

Length

37.3

Diameter

23.8

Span

37.3

Dry Mass

82423

Launch Mass

88535

Shape

Box + 2 Wing + Fin

Radar Cross Section

0.31

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

OV-099

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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