The Day Discovery Took Her Final Flight
Fourteen years ago, Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into orbit one last time, carrying a robot astronaut and capping a remarkable 27-year career that revolutionized space exploration
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR) (21202)
COSPAR: 1991-014F | Alt Name: DM2-49L SOZ-2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 28, 1991
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21202
International Designator
1991-014F
Decay Date
8/30/1991
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR)
Alternative Name
DM2-49L SOZ-2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
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
1.1
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.1
Dry Mass
60
Launch Mass
120
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
10
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SOZ
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NPOE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SOZ
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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