OAO 3 DEB (06156)

COSPAR: 1972-065C | Alt Name: PEP Sun Baffle Cover
DECAYED

Image
OAO 3 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 21, 1972

Launch Pad

LC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3C Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06156

International Designator

1972-065C

Decay Date

1/7/1982

Basic Satellite Info

Name

OAO 3 DEB

Alternative Name

PEP Sun Baffle Cover

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

GSFC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.65

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Sun Baffle Cover

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

GRUM

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

OAO Cover

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.

Space Brief 27 Jun 2025

Space Brief 27 Jun 2025

Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.

Space Brief 10 Dec 2024

Space Brief 10 Dec 2024

Today's highlights include a new 5G demonstration launch on Firefly, potential supply chain interruptions in the defense sector, and updates on Artemis and ULA launches.

X Report 20 Sep 2025

X Report 20 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California, enhancing its global internet coverage as the company continues to dominate the satellite communications market.

Hypersonica Missile Hits Mach 6 in Norway Flight Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

Hypersonica Missile Hits Mach 6 in Norway Flight Test | KeepTrack Space Brief

Hypersonica completes Mach 6+ hypersonic missile flight test in Norway covering 300+ km. Pentagon seeks commercial GEO spy satellites. Gilat wins $9M Israeli defense satcom deal.

Starship V3 Scrubbed & SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO | KeepTrack X Report

Starship V3 Scrubbed & SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX scrubbed Starship Flight 12's V3 debut due to a hydraulic pin fault, then filed an $18.7B IPO S-1 targeting Nasdaq under ticker SPCX.

X Report 28 Jan 2025

X Report 28 Jan 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.

X Report 31 May 2025

X Report 31 May 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the latest GPS satellite for the U.S. military, while the FAA has initiated a mishap investigation on a recent Starship test flight. CEO Elon Musk provided updates on the future of the Starship program, indicating ambitious plans ahead.