ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (02764)

COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Centaur D AC-12
DECAYED

Image
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 17, 1967

Launch Pad

Unknown

Launch Vehicle

Unknown

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

02764

International Designator

N/A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur D AC-12

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 D AC-12

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

GDC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Centaur

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 14 Mar 2025

Space Brief 14 Mar 2025

Today’s highlights include new defense initiatives in the U.S., potential strategic shifts in Europe, and the establishment of council to counter security threats.

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.

Space Brief 14 Aug 2025

Space Brief 14 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.

SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Jun 2026

SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Jun 2026

SpaceX wins a $4.16 billion Space Force satellite contract to track airborne threats worldwide, while dual-pad launches add 53 Starlink satellites.

X Report 25 Nov 2025

X Report 25 Nov 2025

In today's report, we explore the latest updates from SpaceX's ongoing launch initiatives, Starship progress, and emerging competition in satellite internet, highlighting a new contender that could challenge Starlink's dominance.

Space Brief 6 Aug 2025

Space Brief 6 Aug 2025

Highlights of today's Space Brief include advancements in missile defense systems, a historic lunar project by NASA, and strategic military investments in satellite technology.