ARIANE 5 R/B (34939)

COSPAR: 2009-026C | Alt Name: Ariane 5 L546 ESC-A
DECAYED

Image
ARIANE 5 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 14, 2009

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA3

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 5ECA

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

34939

International Designator

2009-026C

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ARIANE 5 R/B

Alternative Name

Ariane 5 L546 ESC-A

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AE

Country

France

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

7

Diameter

5.5

Span

7

Dry Mass

5000

Launch Mass

5000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

ESC-A FM19

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

EADSL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

ESC-A

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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