The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
RAFT (29661)
COSPAR: 2006-055C | Alt Name: Navy-OSCAR-60
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 10, 2006
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29661
International Designator
2006-055C
Decay Date
5/30/2007
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RAFT
Alternative Name
Navy-OSCAR-60
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
USNA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The RAFT satellite, also known as Navy-OSCAR-60, was launched on December 10, 2006, from Launch Pad LC39B at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. It is a small experimental satellite with dimensions of 5-inch cube (0.1 meters in length and diameter) and has an extended span of 1.2 meters due to its antenna deployment. Manufactured by USNA, RAFT weighs 4 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. The satellite uses solar cells and batteries for power supply and has a reflective surface area (RCS) of 0.0846 square meters. It was placed in orbit for experimental purposes and stabilized in space by December 21, 2006.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.1
Diameter
0.1
Span
1.2
Dry Mass
4
Launch Mass
4
Shape
Cube + Ant
Radar Cross Section
0.0846
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
RAFT-1
Purpose
Experimental
Mission
Experimental
Manufacturer
USNA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
5" cube
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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