Space Brief 2 Sep 2024
Key topics: SpaceX resumes Falcon 9 launches, mysterious Starliner sounds, and upcoming space policy events. Detailed tracking info for EGYPTSAT A.
STS 56 (22621)
COSPAR: 1993-023A | Alt Name: Discovery (STS-56)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 8, 1993
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
22621
International Designator
1993-023A
Decay Date
4/17/1993
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 56
Alternative Name
Discovery (STS-56)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 56, also known as Discovery (STS-56), is a crewed spacecraft with the OBJECT_ID 1993-023A launched on April 8, 1993, from LC39B at AFETR using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The winged orbiter has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length and span, and 23.8 meters in diameter. It was manufactured by RWI for the US with a dry mass of 86550 kg and a launch mass of 94537 kg. Powered by fuel cells and batteries, it features two OME (AJ10-190) motors and has a box-shaped design with wings and fins. The satellite is owned by JSC and operated as part of the mission for crewed spaceflight purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
86550
Launch Mass
94537
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.
Starship Flight 13 to Debut First Starlink V3 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 for July 16 launch to deploy first Starlink V3 satellites as Falcon 9 logs its 600th booster reuse.
The Day South Korea Achieved Independent Space Launch Capability
Twelve years ago, South Korea successfully launched a satellite using its own launch vehicle and facilities for the first time, marking a crucial milestone in its journey to space independence
Crew-11 Preps for First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, Lufthansa Orders Starlink for 850 Jets | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 prepares for historic first ISS medical evacuation via Crew Dragon. Lufthansa Group to equip all 850 aircraft with Starlink. Starship infrastructure advances at Starbase and Cape Canaveral.
Space Brief 5 Dec 2024
Today's brief highlights Umbra Space's contract extension with the NRO, Trump's Space Force ambitions, FibreCoat's new funding targeting defense markets, and key US defense sentiments. Explore notable military and commercial satellite activities.
Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
Seismic Networks Now Track Space Junk, Pentagon Faces Golden Dome Cost Challenges | KeepTrack Space Brief
Johns Hopkins researchers use seismic networks to track space debris in near real-time. Pentagon faces Golden Dome production scale challenges. SpaceX launches 25 Starlink sats in seventh 2026 mission.
X Report 29 Aug 2025
SpaceX celebrates a record-breaking Falcon 9 launch while Starship demonstrates strong performance in its recent test flight, fueling excitement for upcoming projects.