PEGASUS R/B (23869)

COSPAR: 1996-031B | Alt Name: Pegasus F11 Stage 3

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 17, 1996

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

RW30/12

Launch Vehicle

Pegasus H

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23869

International Designator

1996-031B

Decay Date

10/11/1996

Basic Satellite Info

Name

PEGASUS R/B

Alternative Name

Pegasus F11 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

OSCC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

A rocket body, also commonly referred to as an upper stage or spent rocket stage, is the structural shell left behind after a rocket has delivered its payload to orbit. These large and often heavy pieces of space hardware can remain in orbit for years, posing significant collision hazards as part of the growing space debris problem. If left uncontrolled, rocket bodies have the potential to reenter Earth's atmosphere unpredictably, which can lead to falling debris in populated areas. Additionally, they risk colliding with operational satellites or the International Space Station, creating more debris and putting human life at risk.

Physical Characteristics

Length

1.4

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

202

Launch Mass

202

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

1.7995

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Orion 38

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OSCC/ATKH

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Orion 38

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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