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UARS (21701)
COSPAR: 1991-063B | Alt Name: UARS
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 12, 1991
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21701
International Designator
1991-063B
Decay Date
9/24/2011
Basic Satellite Info
Name
UARS
Alternative Name
UARS
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The UARS (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite) satellite, also known by its OBJECT_ID 1991-063B and NORAD_CAT_ID 21701, was launched on September 12, 1991, from the Kennedy Space Center LC39A using a Space Shuttle. The spacecraft measures 10 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.5 meters, and a span of 10 meters. It had a launch mass of 6526 kg and a dry mass of 6323 kg. UARS was designed for a three-year mission but operated for fourteen years. The satellite's equipment included ACRIM II, CLAES, ISAMS, MLS, HALOE, HRDI, WIND II, SOLSICE, SUSIM, PEM, and it relied on deployable solar arrays and batteries for power. Manufactured by GEVF/FAIR for the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), UARS was configured in a Box + Box + Pan shape with a RCS of 24.0226 m², dedicated to Earth observation missions.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10
Diameter
4.5
Span
10
Dry Mass
6323
Launch Mass
6526
Shape
Box + Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
24.0226
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
UARS
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
GEVF/FAIR
Life Expectancy
3 years (design), 14 years reached
Bus
MMS
Configuration
MMS
Motor
?
Equipment
ACRIM II, CLAES, ISAMS, MLS, HALOE, HRDI, WIND II, SOLSICE, SUSIM, PEM
Power System
Deployable solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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