DELTA 1 R/B (16938)

COSPAR: 1986-069B | Alt Name: Delta 180 Sensor Module
DECAYED

Image
DELTA 1 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 5, 1986

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3920

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

16938

International Designator

1986-069B

Decay Date

11/25/1986

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B

Alternative Name

Delta 180 Sensor Module

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

SDIO

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

1

Diameter

2.4

Span

1

Dry Mass

450

Launch Mass

450

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

1.55

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

DM 43 Sensor Module

Purpose

SDI Experiments

Mission

SDI Experiments

Manufacturer

MDAC

Life Expectancy

205 minutes

Bus

SDIO Delta

Configuration

Payload Assist System (PAS)

Motor

TR-201

Equipment

Lidar, Radar seeker

Power System

Batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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