ARIANE DEB [SPELDA] (23951)

COSPAR: 1996-040D | Alt Name: Spelda 40 S/N SP UV31
DECAYED

Image
ARIANE DEB [SPELDA] Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 9, 1996

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA2

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 44L

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23951

International Designator

1996-040D

Decay Date

3/25/2001

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ARIANE DEB [SPELDA]

Alternative Name

Spelda 40 S/N SP UV31

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AE

Country

France

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.1

Diameter

4

Span

4

Dry Mass

400

Launch Mass

400

Shape

Cyl + Cone

Radar Cross Section

15.5257

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Spelda 40 (SMS)

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MMSS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Spelda

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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