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STS-45 (21915)
COSPAR: 1992-015A | Alt Name: Atlantis (STS-45)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 1992
Launch Site
Kennedy Space Center
Launch Pad
LC-39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21915
International Designator
1992-015A
Decay Date
4/2/1992
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS-45
Alternative Name
Atlantis (STS-45)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NASA Johnson Space Center
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launch on March 24, 1992; conducted ATLAS-1 experiments; landed on April 2, 1992.
Summary
STS-45, also known as Atlantis (STS-45), is a winged orbiter satellite launched by NASA on March 24, 1992, from Kennedy Space Center's LC-39A using the Space Shuttle Atlantis. This satellite had dimensions of 37.3 meters in length, with both diameter and span measuring 23.8 meters, and a dry mass of 85,578 kilograms. It was equipped for scientific research purposes, carrying the ATLAS-1 laboratory with 12 instruments, Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) experiment, one Get Away Special (GAS) canister, and six mid-deck experiments. The mission aimed to study atmospheric chemistry, solar radiation, space plasma physics, and ultraviolet astronomy. Power was supplied by fuel cells, and its shape was described as a box with wings and tail fin. The spacecraft's lifetime was 8 days, 22 hours, 9 minutes, and 28 seconds before landing on April 2, 1992. Its outer material composition included aluminum alloy and thermal protection tiles, painted white with black accents.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
23.8
Dry Mass
85578
Launch Mass
105982
Shape
Box with wings and tail fin
Radar Cross Section
33.15
Visual Magnitude
Estimated at 5.0 based on size and reflectivity
Color
White with black accents
Material Composition
Aluminum alloy, thermal protection tiles
Technical Details
Payload
ATLAS-1 laboratory, SSBUV experiment, GAS canister, mid-deck experiments
Purpose
Scientific research
Mission
First Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-1) mission to study atmospheric chemistry, solar radiation, space plasma physics, and ultraviolet astronomy.
Manufacturer
Rockwell International
Life Expectancy
8 days, 22 hours, 9 minutes, 28 seconds
Bus
STS OV
Configuration
Winged orbiter
Motor
3 x Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs), 2 x Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs)
Equipment
ATLAS-1 laboratory with 12 instruments, Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) experiment, one Get Away Special (GAS) canister, and six mid-deck experiments.
Power System
Fuel cells
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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