DELTA 1 R/B(1) (05815)

COSPAR: 1972-005B | Alt Name: Delta 87
DECAYED

Image
DELTA 1 R/B(1) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 31, 1972

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2E

Launch Vehicle

Thor Delta L

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

05815

International Designator

1972-005B

Decay Date

9/27/1978

Basic Satellite Info

Name

DELTA 1 R/B(1)

Alternative Name

Delta 87

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

GSFC

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

5.2

Diameter

1.4

Span

5.2

Dry Mass

785

Launch Mass

785

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

17.6095

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Delta DSV-3E-4

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

AJ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Ablestar

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

AJ10-118E

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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