Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (02143)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Centaur AC-8
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 8, 1966
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Unknown
Launch Vehicle
Unknown
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
02143
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
4/17/1966
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AC-8
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
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
8.6
Diameter
3
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur 3D
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
GDC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Centaur D
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 Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
X Report 1 Nov 2025
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its 100th Starlink mission launch and makes impressive progress on lunar lander development for Artemis III.
Kratos Wins $447M Space Force MEO Missile Tracking Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
Kratos awarded $447 million Space Force contract for Resilient Missile Warning Tracking ground ops center in Medium Earth Orbit, shifting missile detection away from vulnerable GEO satellites.
X Report 2 Apr 2025
SpaceX's Fram2 mission marks a historic first in polar orbit travel, while DARPA unexpectedly detects Falcon 9 reentry using atmospheric listening.
Space Brief 26 May 2025
Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.
Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill, L3Harris Doubles Down on Space Business | KeepTrack Space Brief
Senate clears $839B defense spending bill ensuring Pentagon space domain funding. L3Harris reaffirms space sector commitment amid Golden Dome expansion. York Space raises $629M in public offering.
X Report 1 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 19 Starlink satellites from California amidst a weather-related scrub of the Crew-11 mission to the ISS, showcasing the company’s focus on expanding its satellite constellation while overcoming operational challenges.