MINOTAUR 4 R/B (37169)

COSPAR: 2010-048B | Alt Name: Minotaur IV (2) Stage 4
DECAYED

Image
MINOTAUR 4 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 26, 2010

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC8

Launch Vehicle

Minotaur IV

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

37169

International Designator

2010-048B

Decay Date

10/5/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MINOTAUR 4 R/B

Alternative Name

Minotaur IV (2) Stage 4

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSMC

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

2.5

Diameter

2.4

Span

2.5

Dry Mass

500

Launch Mass

500

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

4.1712

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

GCA/Orion 38

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OSCC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Orion 38

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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