X Report 6 Dec 2025
SpaceX secures environmental approval for Starship launches at SLC-37 while Castelion, a company founded by SpaceX veterans, raises $350 million for hypersonic missile production.
STS 120 (32272)
COSPAR: 2007-050A | Alt Name: Discovery (STS-120)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 23, 2007
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
32272
International Designator
2007-050A
Decay Date
11/7/2007
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 120
Alternative Name
Discovery (STS-120)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 120 was a crewed spacecraft, specifically a winged orbiter known as Discovery (OV-103), launched by NASA on October 23, 2007 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 37.3 meters in length and span with a diameter of 23.8 meters. It had a dry mass of 87,925 kilograms and a launch mass of 95,173 kilograms. Powered by fuel cells and batteries, it was equipped with two OME (AJ10-190) motors for propulsion. The spacecraft's shape is described as box-like with wings and fins. It was manufactured by BNAP and operated under the jurisdiction of JSC.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
87925
Launch Mass
95173
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
44.8683
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
OV-103
Purpose
Crewed Spacecraft
Mission
Crewed Spacecraft
Manufacturer
BNAP
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
STS OV
Configuration
Winged orbiter
Motor
2 x OME (AJ10-190)
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Fuel cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 24 Dec 2025
SpaceX gears up for significant 2026 launches while a Starlink satellite anomaly provides insights into its operations.
X Report 22 Oct 2025
SpaceX sets a new launch record as it prepares for its 133rd Falcon 9 mission. Additionally, developments in satellite technology and mergers in the space sector highlight the ongoing competition.
X Report 19 Nov 2024
Starship Flight 6 approaches with a daring booster catch, while SpaceX ramps up satellite launches and navigates regulatory challenges.
Space Brief 14 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Blue Origin's certification progress, a near-miss between a Chinese spacecraft and a Starlink satellite, SpaceX's latest Starlink launch and booster landing, potential IPO news from SpaceX, and advancements in Starlink integration with Tesla vehicles.
Space Brief 27 Nov 2024
Space highlights include a debut launch of ZhuQue-2E, Firefly's lunar lander timeline, semiconductor funding for satellites, and ISS debris avoidance.
SpaceX Wins $2.29B Space Force LEO Comms Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX awarded $2.29 billion to build Space Force's LEO communications backbone, integrating with SDA Transport layer satellites for military tactical data relay through space.
X Report 27 Nov 2024
SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.