FIREFLY ALPHA R/B (53959)

COSPAR: 2022-122E | Alt Name: Alpha FLTA002 Stage 2

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 1, 2022

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2W

Launch Vehicle

Firefly Alpha

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

53959

International Designator

2022-122E

Decay Date

10/7/2022

Explore in the Catalog

Firefly A2 bus United States satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FIREFLY ALPHA R/B

Alternative Name

Alpha FLTA002 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

FFLY

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

5.8

Diameter

1.8

Span

5.8

Dry Mass

909

Launch Mass

909

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Alpha Stage 2

Purpose

Technology

Mission

Technology

Manufacturer

FFLY

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Firefly A2

Configuration

Equipment mounted on upper stage

Motor

None in orbit

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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