Falcon Heavy Launches ViaSat-3 F3, Space Brief 27 Apr 2026
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STS 61B (16273)
COSPAR: 1985-109A | Alt Name: Atlantis (STS 61-B)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 27, 1985
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16273
International Designator
1985-109A
Decay Date
12/3/1985
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 61B
Alternative Name
Atlantis (STS 61-B)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 61B, also known as Atlantis (STS 61-B), is a crewed spacecraft and winged orbiter launched by NASA on November 27, 1985, from Launch Pad LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length and span, with a diameter of 23.8 meters. It had a dry mass of 86,160 kilograms and a launch mass of 94,126 kilograms. Atlantis was manufactured by RWI and operated under the ownership of JSC (Johnson Space Center). Its mission purpose is to serve as a crewed spacecraft and it uses fuel cells and batteries for power supply. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with two wings and a fin.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
86160
Launch Mass
94126
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
0.31
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
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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