Space Brief 11 Dec 2024
Explore today's space news including Space Force's five-year reflection, Rocket Lab's military hypersonic test, SpaceX's festive launch, and a glimpse at China's strategic space maneuvers.
ARIANE 44L R/B (26039)
COSPAR: 1999-071B | Alt Name: Ariane H10-3 V125
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 22, 1999
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26039
International Designator
1999-071B
Decay Date
4/11/2014
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ARIANE 44L R/B
Alternative Name
Ariane H10-3 V125
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AE
Country
France
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
12.1
Diameter
2.6
Span
12.1
Dry Mass
1820
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
22.7193
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Ariane H10-3 S/N T492
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
AEML
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ariane H10-3
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
HM-7B
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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