Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D] (27706)
COSPAR: 2003-010C | Alt Name: Delta 297 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
![DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D] Satellite Image](/images/sat/rocket2.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 2003
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925-9.5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27706
International Designator
2003-010C
Decay Date
9/25/2016
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DELTA 2 R/B(2) [PAM-D]
Alternative Name
Delta 297 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
BOHB
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
2.3
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.3
Dry Mass
132
Launch Mass
2141
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
2.5664
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 48B
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ATKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 48
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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