The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
STS 30 (19968)
COSPAR: 1989-033A | Alt Name: Atlantis (STS-30)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
19968
International Designator
1989-033A
Decay Date
5/8/1989
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 30
Alternative Name
Atlantis (STS-30)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 30, also known as Atlantis (STS-30), is a US winged orbiter spacecraft manufactured by RWI and operated by JSC. Launched on May 4, 1989, from LC39B at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle, this crewed spacecraft has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length, span, and 23.8 meters in diameter. The dry mass is 88,043 kilograms with a launch mass of 90,183 kilograms. It was equipped with fuel cells and batteries for power and two OME (AJ10-190) motors. The spacecraft's shape consists of a box configuration with wings and fins.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
88043
Launch Mass
90183
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
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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