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STARSHINE 3 & SO-43 (26929)
COSPAR: 2001-043A | Alt Name: Starshine-OSCAR-43
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 2001
Launch Site
KODAK
Launch Pad
LP1
Launch Vehicle
Athena-1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26929
International Designator
2001-043A
Decay Date
1/21/2003
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARSHINE 3 & SO-43
Alternative Name
Starshine-OSCAR-43
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARSHINE 3 & SO-43, also known as Starshine-OSCAR-43, is a research satellite designed to measure atmospheric density. Launched on September 30, 2001, from the KODAK launch site using an Athena-1 launch vehicle, it was manufactured by NRL and owned by GSFC. The satellite has a configuration of a 0.9-meter sphere with mirrors and laser reflectors for its mission. It is equipped with 1500 mirrors, 31 laser reflectors, and a beacon transponder, powered by solar cells and batteries. Its dry mass and launch mass are both 90 kilograms. The satellite's purpose aligns with its mission to conduct atmospheric density research.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.9
Diameter
0.9
Span
0.9
Dry Mass
90
Launch Mass
90
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.5445
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starshine 3
Purpose
Research (Atmospheric density)
Mission
Research (Atmospheric density)
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starshine
Configuration
0.9 m sphere
Motor
None
Equipment
1500 mirrors, 31 laser reflectors, beacon transponder
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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