ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (03598)

COSPAR: 1968-110B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-16

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 7, 1968

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3C Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03598

International Designator

1968-110B

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:20:52 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

34.99°

Right Ascension

286.16°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

193.01°

Period

98.79 min

Mean Motion

14.58 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Centaur D bus United States satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-16

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LERC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 03598U 68110B   26200.51449094  .00000203  00000+0  47596-4 0  9996

2 03598  34.9925 286.1630 0046433 193.0098 166.9399 14.57693822 29297

Source: Celestrak

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

9.1

Diameter

3.1

Span

9.1

Dry Mass

1700

Launch Mass

2000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

11.911

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur 13D

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

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 11 May 2025

Discover the latest innovations from Rocket Lab, new developments in hypersonic flight, and significant advances in satellite technology with BlackSky. Gain insights into the Space Force's mission and MIT physicists' breakthroughs in observing atoms.

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.

NASA Tests Artemis 2 Fueling, Saudi Unveils DebriSolver Winners | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA conducts critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test. Saudi Space Agency announces global DebriSolver competition winners. SpaceX and Bezos push orbital data center plans.

Starlink Airs First Super Bowl Ad, Artemis II Nears Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX debuts Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions of viewers. Artemis II reaches Kennedy launch pad for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo era.

Falcon 9 Returns to Flight, Crew-12 Targets Feb 11 Launch | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 returns to flight with Starlink 17-33 mission after brief stand-down. Crew-12 astronaut launch confirmed for Feb 11. SpaceX shifts Dragon launches away from pad 39A.

X Report 14 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its 300th Starlink mission, deploying 24 new satellites to further expand its internet service coverage worldwide.

X Report 17 Dec 2024

SpaceX executes a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, Starlink extends its reach with a beta smartphone connectivity service by T-Mobile, and Starship approaches its seventh launch with readiness milestones.

The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes

Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name