ATLAS AGENA A R/B (00079)

COSPAR: 1961-001B | Alt Name: Samos 2

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 31, 1961

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

LC1-1

Launch Vehicle

Atlas Agena A

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

00079

International Designator

1961-001B

Decay Date

10/9/1970

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS AGENA A R/B

Alternative Name

Samos 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFBMD

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

Diameter

1.5

Span

Dry Mass

1194

Launch Mass

1194

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

SAMOS E-1 No. 2

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

LMSD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Agena A

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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