STS 39 (21242)

COSPAR: 1991-031A | Alt Name: Discovery (STS-39)
DECAYED

Image
STS 39 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 28, 1991

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21242

International Designator

1991-031A

Decay Date

5/6/1991

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STS 39

Alternative Name

Discovery (STS-39)

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

JSC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STS 39, also known as Discovery (STS-39), is a crewed spacecraft launched on April 28, 1991, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. This winged orbiter has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length and span, with a diameter of 23.8 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 85,723 kilograms, and its total launch mass was 96,701 kilograms. It operates on fuel cells and batteries for power. Manufactured by RWI, the spacecraft is owned by JSC and has a box shape with two wings and a fin. Its mission purpose is to serve as a crewed spacecraft.
Physical Characteristics

Length

37.3

Diameter

23.8

Span

37.3

Dry Mass

85723

Launch Mass

96701

Shape

Box + 2 Wing + Fin

Radar Cross Section

1

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

OV-103

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Starlink 10-50 Launches With Semiconductor Payload Aboard | KeepTrack X Report

Starlink 10-50 Launches With Semiconductor Payload Aboard | KeepTrack X Report

A Falcon 9 lifted off from SLC-40 at 6:50 a.m. EDT carrying Starlink satellites and Besxar Space Industries semiconductor test pods.

Crew-12 Set for Launch, Starlink Wins New Airline Customer | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-12 Set for Launch, Starlink Wins New Airline Customer | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Crew-12 mission set to launch astronauts to ISS on Feb 13. Starlink gains another airline partner for in-flight internet. Musk tops Forbes' 250 Greatest Innovators list.

X Report 7 May 2025

X Report 7 May 2025

SpaceX achieves significant milestones with a successful Falcon 9 launch carrying 28 Starlink satellites and receives FAA approval for increased Starship launches, amidst challenges posed by India's new satellite regulations.

X Report 21 Sep 2025

X Report 21 Sep 2025

Key updates include a potential delay for the Starship lunar lander, successful static fire tests for Ship 38, and the latest Starlink satellite launch plans.

Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report

Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 debut, while CRS-34 delivers 6,500 lbs of cargo to ISS aboard a Falcon 9.

Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026

Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026

Falcon 9 booster reuse record: SpaceX's most-flown booster flew a 33rd flight Feb 21 with 28 Starlink V2 Minis. Two launches in a day; 9,779 on orbit.

X Report 8 Dec 2025

X Report 8 Dec 2025

SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.