NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1997-073B
Spartan 201-4 is a reusable American solar observatory module that was released from STS 87. A computer glitch made it unable to obtain attitude control; an effort to recapture it robotically introduced a hazardous spin motion, also. Ultimately, it had to be recaptured by a space walk by two astronauts. During the three days of free-flying, its orbital parameters remained close to that of STS 87.
Image shows the Spartan 201 satellite at the Smithsonian Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center.
Launch Date: 1997-11-21
Launch Vehicle: Shuttle
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office