CRISTA-SPAS (23341)

COSPAR: 1994-073B | Alt Name: CRISTA-SPAS
DECAYED

Image
CRISTA-SPAS Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 3, 1994

Launch Pad

LC39B

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23341

International Designator

1994-073B

Decay Date

11/14/1994

Basic Satellite Info

Name

CRISTA-SPAS

Alternative Name

CRISTA-SPAS

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

DLR

Country

Germany

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
CRISTA-SPAS (1994-073B) is a retrievable satellite for infrared earth science research, manufactured by DASAO and owned by DLR. It was launched on November 3, 1994, from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center using the Space Shuttle as its launch vehicle. The satellite measures 2.5 meters in length with a diameter and span of 4.5 meters each. Weighing 3263 kg at launch, it operates on battery power and is equipped with CRISTA and MAHRSI instruments for scientific data collection. Its shape consists of a box plus cylinder design, and its configuration is known as Astro-SPAS-Platform.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2.5

Diameter

4.5

Span

4.5

Dry Mass

3263

Launch Mass

3263

Shape

Box + Cyl

Radar Cross Section

14.5018

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

CRISTA-SPAS

Purpose

IR earth science, retrievable satellite

Mission

IR earth science, retrievable satellite

Manufacturer

DASAO

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

ASTRO-SPAS

Configuration

Astro-SPAS-Platform

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

CRISTA, MAHRSI

Power System

Batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 21 Apr 2025

Space Brief 21 Apr 2025

Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.

SpaceX IPO Terms Strip Investor Rights | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX IPO Terms Strip Investor Rights | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's reported IPO structure grants Elon Musk unchecked control and forces 220,000-GPU Colossus AI deal into the spotlight.

Space Brief 12 Dec 2024

Space Brief 12 Dec 2024

U.S. Space Force's Europe operations amidst Ukraine conflict, Maxar's new partnership, integration of military and commercial tech, and the Pentagon's new AI initiatives shape today's space discourse.

The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites

The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites

Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent

X Report 22 Nov 2024

X Report 22 Nov 2024

SpaceX edges closer to increased Starship launch approvals, secures lunar rover delivery, eyes potential military collaboration, and continues rapid satellite deployment.

Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,168, X Report 5 Apr 2026

Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,168, X Report 5 Apr 2026

Starlink satellite count for April 2026: 10,177 in orbit, 10,168 working from 11,724 launched. No new anomalies, four reentries expected Apr 5-7.

Space Brief 11 Feb 2025

Space Brief 11 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include the debut of a new Chinese rocket, a successful Starlink launch, and concerns about Artemis 3. We also cover DoD developments and a notable SpaceX milestone.

Space Brief 3 Dec 2025

Space Brief 3 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers the integration of commercial and military space capabilities, a notable change in Crew 12 mission, advancements in digital training for space operations, and more.