ARIANE 3 R/B (18352)

COSPAR: 1987-078C | Alt Name: Ariane H10 V19
DECAYED

Image
ARIANE 3 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 16, 1987

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA1

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 3

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18352

International Designator

1987-078C

Decay Date

6/21/1991

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ARIANE 3 R/B

Alternative Name

Ariane H10 V19

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AE

Country

France

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

14

Diameter

2.6

Span

14

Dry Mass

1920

Launch Mass

2100

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

29.5559

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Ariane H10 S/N T19

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

AELM

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Ariane H10

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

HM-7B

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

China Files Plans for 200,000-Satellite Megaconstellation With ITU | KeepTrack Space Brief

China Files Plans for 200,000-Satellite Megaconstellation With ITU | KeepTrack Space Brief

China files ITU paperwork for megaconstellations totaling nearly 200,000 satellites. SpaceX launches first rideshare mission of 2026 from Vandenberg. NASA plans ISS crew medical evacuation.

X Report 30 Oct 2025

X Report 30 Oct 2025

SpaceX continues to ramp up its operations with the launch of 29 more Starlink satellites, while significant upgrades at its Starbase facility signify ambitious future plans.

Space Brief 16 Nov 2024

Space Brief 16 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include ABL Space shifting its focus to missile defense, Intuitive Machines advocating for Artemis infrastructure reforms, and more updates from space and defense sectors.

X Report 7 Dec 2025

X Report 7 Dec 2025

SpaceX receives approval for a new Starship launch complex, while Blue Origin capitalizes on potential challenges faced by SpaceX in lunar missions.

Space Brief 20 Nov 2024

Space Brief 20 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include the U.S. military's satellite initiative facing delays, Senate inquiries into high-profile calls, and an update on Pentagon's UFO investigations. Notable mentions also cover Morocco's defense sector ambitions.

Space Brief 27 Oct 2025

Space Brief 27 Oct 2025

Today's space highlights include the US Space Force's advanced tracking contract, a milestone in SpaceX's Starlink program, and a new initiative to remove space debris.

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.

Space Brief 15 Jan 2025

Space Brief 15 Jan 2025

Focus on Varda's second mission launch, new U.S. Defense Department tool for satellite anomaly investigation, and a detailed Satellite Spotlight on CELESTIS 21/Varisat 1C.