PAM-S R/B (20845)

COSPAR: 1990-090E | Alt Name: PAM-S

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 6, 1990

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39B

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20845

International Designator

1990-090E

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

PAM-S R/B

Alternative Name

PAM-S

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

MSFC

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

Diameter

1.2

Span

Dry Mass

238

Launch Mass

2250

Shape

Ell + Cone

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Star 48B S/N 10058-24

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

THKE

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Star 48

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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