ATHENA 2 R/B (25921)

COSPAR: 1999-051C | Alt Name: Athena-2 LM-007 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
ATHENA 2 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 24, 1999

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC6

Launch Vehicle

Athena-2

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

25921

International Designator

1999-051C

Decay Date

10/25/1999

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATHENA 2 R/B

Alternative Name

Athena-2 LM-007 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LMA

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

3.2

Diameter

2.3

Span

3.2

Dry Mass

865

Launch Mass

10600

Shape

Cyl + Cone

Radar Cross Section

2.3321

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Orbus 21D

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

PWCSD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Orbus 21

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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