CRISTA-SPAS (24890)

COSPAR: 1997-039B | Alt Name: CRISTA-SPAS

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 7, 1997

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24890

International Designator

1997-039B

Decay Date

8/19/1997

Basic Satellite Info

Name

CRISTA-SPAS

Alternative Name

CRISTA-SPAS

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

DLR2

Country

Germany

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The CRISTA-SPAS satellite, also known as 1997-039B and designated NORAD CAT ID 24890, is an IR earth science retrievable satellite launched on August 7, 1997, from Launch Pad LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle. It was manufactured by DLRRD/DASAO for DLR2 and equipped with ASTRO-SPAS as its main payload, carrying instruments CRISTA and MAHRSI. The satellite measures 2.5 meters in length with a diameter of 4.5 meters and has the same span width. It weighs 3503 kg both at launch and dry mass. Its shape is described as Box + Cyl and it relies on batteries for power supply, with an RCS value of 19.8762. The mission purpose was to conduct IR earth science studies before being retrieved from orbit.

Physical Characteristics

Length

2.5

Diameter

4.5

Span

4.5

Dry Mass

3503

Launch Mass

3503

Shape

Box + Cyl

Radar Cross Section

19.8762

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

ASTRO-SPAS

Purpose

IR earth science, retrievable satellite

Mission

IR earth science, retrievable satellite

Manufacturer

DLRRD/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.

Crew-11 Medical Evacuation Set for January 14, Starlink Mission Succeeds | KeepTrack X Report

NASA confirms first-ever ISS medical evacuation for January 14 via Crew Dragon. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in third mission of 2026. Artemis 2 moon mission timeline unaffected.

Space Brief 17 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include key advancements for the Dream Chaser, SpaceX's record launches, Moon mission crowding concerns, and updates in European space policy.

Your Phone Already Talks to Space

SpaceX quietly built the world's largest 4G network without a single cell tower. Over 650 satellites now connect standard smartphones directly from orbit, and most people carrying compatible phones don't know the service exists.

China Launches VLEO Alliance With Sats Below 300km | KeepTrack Space Brief

China formalized a national VLEO industry alliance with multiple satellites sustaining operations below 300 kilometers altitude. Propulsion startups attracting investment.

Vulcan Grounding Could Last Months, Space Force Weighs Alternatives | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Vulcan Centaur faces potential months-long stand-down. Space Force actively exploring payload reassignment and satellite operational life extensions to cover critical national security missions.

Space Brief 7 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include a record-breaking event at the International Space Station, significant funding for hypersonic missile production, and several key military developments impacting space strategy.

Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief

Three Chinese rocket bodies have exploded over four years, creating debris clouds that will linger for decades to centuries, according to LeoLabs analysis. Fragmentation events threaten commercial and military operators.

X Report 21 Aug 2025

Today's brief highlights the upcoming X-37B military spaceplane launch, ongoing partnerships to protect radio astronomy, and West Virginia's minimal allocation of broadband subsidies to satellite providers like SpaceX.