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CELESTIS-01 & PEGASUS R/B (24780)
COSPAR: 1997-018B | Alt Name: Pegasus F15 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 21, 1997
Launch Site
CAS
Launch Pad
RW03/21
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24780
International Designator
1997-018B
Decay Date
5/21/2002
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CELESTIS-01 & PEGASUS R/B
Alternative Name
Pegasus F15 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
1
Span
2
Dry Mass
202
Launch Mass
202
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
1.7788
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orion 38
Purpose
Space burial
Mission
Space burial
Manufacturer
OSCC/ATKH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Orion 38
Configuration
Cylindrical containers bolted to Orion-38 motor
Motor
None
Equipment
?
Power System
None
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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