ARIANE 5 R/B (26641)

COSPAR: 2000-081D | Alt Name: Ariane 5 L508 EPS

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 20, 2000

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA3

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 5G

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

26641

International Designator

2000-081D

Decay Date

5/31/2002

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ARIANE 5 R/B

Alternative Name

Ariane 5 L508 EPS

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

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

3.3

Diameter

3.9

Span

3.9

Dry Mass

1190

Launch Mass

1190

Shape

Cone + Cyl

Radar Cross Section

15.8489

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

EPS S/N 508

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

ASTD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

EPS

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Aestus

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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