THOR ABLESTAR R/B (00030)

COSPAR: 1960-003A | Alt Name: Ablestar 002

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 13, 1960

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Thor Ablestar

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

00030

International Designator

1960-003A

Decay Date

8/18/1961

Basic Satellite Info

Name

THOR ABLESTAR R/B

Alternative Name

Ablestar 002

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFBMD

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

4.8

Diameter

1.4

Span

4.8

Dry Mass

600

Launch Mass

650

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

AJ10-104

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Ablestar

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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