USA 173 DEB (28097)

COSPAR: 2003-054C | Alt Name: USA 173 P/L 2
DECAYED

Image
USA 173 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 2, 2003

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC3E

Launch Vehicle

Atlas IIAS

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

28097

International Designator

2003-054C

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 173 DEB

Alternative Name

USA 173 P/L 2

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

NROC/USN

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2

Diameter

2

Span

2

Dry Mass

1000

Launch Mass

1000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

INTRUDER 4

Purpose

Ocean Surveillance, ELINT

Mission

Ocean Surveillance, ELINT

Manufacturer

LMSSD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

NOSS-3

Configuration

?

Motor

?

Equipment

?

Power System

Solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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