Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
STS 72 (23762)
COSPAR: 1996-001A | Alt Name: Endeavour (STS-72)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 11, 1996
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23762
International Designator
1996-001A
Decay Date
1/20/1996
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 72
Alternative Name
Endeavour (STS-72)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 72, also known as Endeavour (STS-72), is a crewed spacecraft launched on January 11, 1996, from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The orbiter has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length and span with a diameter of 23.8 meters. It had a dry mass of 87,887 kilograms and a launch mass of 101,773 kilograms. The spacecraft is equipped with fuel cells and batteries for power and has a winged orbiter configuration. Its mission was to serve as a crewed spacecraft, manufactured by RWI under the ownership of JSC.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
87887
Launch Mass
101773
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
OV-105
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.
Musk Denies Starlink Price Cuts Are Response to Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk denies Starlink price reductions are driven by Amazon Kuiper competition. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in 18th constellation mission of 2026. Five more coming this week.
Space Brief 18 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
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
X Report 9 Jun 2025
Tensions between SpaceX and the U.S. government escalate as President Trump's threats could have significant implications on the company's operations and future plans. Meanwhile, India takes a significant step in its space endeavors with a historic astronaut launch.
Space Brief 8 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the cancellation of Starship landing plans, Planet Labs' defense expansion, and cutting-edge radiation-hardened tech for space and defense.
SpaceX to Lower 4,400 Starlink Satellite Orbits for Space Safety | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX plans to lower orbits of 4,400 Starlink satellites after two collision-concern incidents. Cosmo-SkyMed Earth observation satellite launched for Italy from Vandenberg.
Andøya Spaceport
Europe's Arctic gateway to orbit. How Norway's Andøya Spaceport is positioning itself as the continent's answer to launch congestion - and what the failed Isar Aerospace test flight means for the road ahead.