The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun
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ATLAS H R/B (17998)
COSPAR: 1987-043B | Alt Name: LIPS 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 1987
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
17998
International Designator
1987-043B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:56:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
63.32°
Right Ascension
187.28°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
117.71°
Period
106.55 min
Mean Motion
13.51 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS H R/B
Alternative Name
LIPS 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
Naval Research Laboratory
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 17998U 87043B 26185.24774932 .00000705 00000-0 25799-3 0 9993
2 17998 63.3168 187.2756 0701347 117.7117 249.6853 13.51427349353564
Source: Celestrak
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
0.1
Diameter
1.8
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
63
Launch Mass
63
Shape
Disk
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
LIPS 3
Purpose
Research
Mission
Research
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
MSD-PS
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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