THOR ALTAIR R/B (02129)

COSPAR: 1966-026B | Alt Name: Thor Burner 1 (4) Stage 2

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 31, 1966

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

4300B6

Launch Vehicle

Thor Burner 1

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

02129

International Designator

1966-026B

Decay Date

5/11/2002

Basic Satellite Info

Name

THOR ALTAIR R/B

Alternative Name

Thor Burner 1 (4) Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

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

1.5

Diameter

0.5

Span

1.5

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

0.8666

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

FW4S S/N 20036

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

UTC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

FW4

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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