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THOR ABLE R/B (00017)
COSPAR: 1959-004B | Alt Name: Thor Able III Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 1959
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor Able III
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00017
International Designator
1959-004B
Decay Date
6/30/1961
Basic Satellite Info
Name
THOR ABLE R/B
Alternative Name
Thor Able III Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFBMD
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
1.5
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
24
Launch Mass
24
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.02
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Altair X-248
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ABL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Altair
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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