STS 48 (21700)

COSPAR: 1991-063A | Alt Name: Discovery (STS-48)
DECAYED

Image
STS 48 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 12, 1991

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21700

International Designator

1991-063A

Decay Date

9/19/1991

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STS 48

Alternative Name

Discovery (STS-48)

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

JSC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STS 48 was a Space Shuttle Discovery mission launched on September 12, 1991, from LC39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The spacecraft is identified as Object ID 1991-063A with NORAD catalog ID 21700. Configured as a winged orbiter, the shuttle measured 37.3 meters in length and span, with a diameter of 23.8 meters. It had a dry mass of 86,191 kg and was launched with a total mass of 93,890 kg. The mission was operated by JSC (Johnson Space Center) for the purpose of crewed spaceflight, using fuel cells and batteries as power sources. The shuttle carried OV-103 as its payload and was equipped with two OME (AJ10-190) motors. Manufactured by RWI, it had a shape described as Box + 2 Wing + Fin configuration.
Physical Characteristics

Length

37.3

Diameter

23.8

Span

37.3

Dry Mass

86191

Launch Mass

93890

Shape

Box + 2 Wing + Fin

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

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.

Space Brief 23 Feb 2025

Space Brief 23 Feb 2025

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.

Space Brief 16 Jun 2025

Space Brief 16 Jun 2025

Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.

Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during ground testing May 28, visible from hundreds of miles across Florida. Fireball halts vehicle pending failure investigation.

X Report 13 Nov 2025

X Report 13 Nov 2025

Today's report covers SpaceX's progress on Starship pad realignment and Rocket Lab's delay of its Neutron rocket debut, highlighting key advancements and competitive dynamics in the space industry.

The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever

The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever

Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe

SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX deploys 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-100 mission. Falcon 9 lifted off at 6:31 p.m. EST continuing SpaceX's dominant satellite internet market position.

X Report 7 Aug 2025

X Report 7 Aug 2025

SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts are set to return to Earth, while Impulse Space takes strides in spacecraft capabilities. Additionally, SpaceX prepares to launch 24 Amazon Project Kuiper satellites.

Space Brief 27 Sep 2025

Space Brief 27 Sep 2025

Today's brief covers next-generation missile defense strategies, NASA's Dream Chaser contract updates, and technological advances in Air Force cyber defense.