STS 55 (22640)

COSPAR: 1993-027A | Alt Name: Columbia (STS-55)
DECAYED

Image
STS 55 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 26, 1993

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

22640

International Designator

1993-027A

Decay Date

5/6/1993

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STS 55

Alternative Name

Columbia (STS-55)

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

JSC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STS 55, also known as Columbia (STS-55), is a crewed spacecraft with the configuration of a winged orbiter and a shape described as box + 2 wings + fin. It was launched on April 26, 1993, from LC39A at AFETR using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The satellite has a length of 37.3 meters, diameter of 23.8 meters, and span of 37.3 meters, with a dry mass of 91,642 kg and a launch mass of 99,329 kg. It is equipped with fuel cells and batteries for power and has an RCS (Reaction Control System) thrust of 94.2 Newtons. The spacecraft was manufactured by RWI for the purpose of serving as a crewed vehicle and is owned by JSC. Its equipment details are not specified, and it carries a payload designated as OV-102. The satellite's mission is to serve as a crewed spacecraft.
Physical Characteristics

Length

37.3

Diameter

23.8

Span

37.3

Dry Mass

91642

Launch Mass

99329

Shape

Box + 2 Wing + Fin

Radar Cross Section

94.2

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

OV-102

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 5 May 2025

Space Brief 5 May 2025

Today's brief covers the Army's move to create a space career field for enlisted soldiers, Terran Orbital's involvement in a Space Force tech program, advancements in missile warning systems, a first flight test by Inversion Space, and more.

X Report 19 Nov 2024

X Report 19 Nov 2024

Starship Flight 6 approaches with a daring booster catch, while SpaceX ramps up satellite launches and navigates regulatory challenges.

Falcon 9 to Lift Cygnus as Artemis II Hits Midpoint | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 to Lift Cygnus as Artemis II Hits Midpoint | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 targets ISS Cygnus resupply as Artemis II reaches its halfway mark and SpaceX HLS commitment draws NASA praise.

X Report 15 Jan 2025

X Report 15 Jan 2025

SpaceX successfully launches two lunar landers and clears another milestone with Transporter-12 rideshare mission.

Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report

Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX airs Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions. Falcon 9 completes static fire test for Crew-12 launch on Feb 11. Falcon 9 resumed flights after engine investigation.

Boeing Ramps Up Missile-Tracking Sensor Production for Military Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief

Boeing Ramps Up Missile-Tracking Sensor Production for Military Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief

Boeing opens new facility to boost missile-tracking sensor production for military satellites. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects. 25 Starlink sats launched.

Who Owns SpaceX in 2026? Ownership, Valuation, and the Trillion-Dollar IPO

Who Owns SpaceX in 2026? Ownership, Valuation, and the Trillion-Dollar IPO

Elon Musk controls 79% of SpaceX's votes with just 42% of the equity - and the company just merged with his AI startup at a $1.25 trillion valuation. Here's who actually owns what, how the money works, and what a $1.75 trillion IPO means for investors.

X Report 19 Dec 2025

X Report 19 Dec 2025

A partial breakup incident involving a Starlink satellite raised concerns, while SpaceX continued its ambitious projects and launches.