ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (04069)

COSPAR: 1969-069B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-18

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 12, 1969

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC36A

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3C Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

04069

International Designator

1969-069B

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:49:51 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

17.26°

Right Ascension

280.41°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

251.70°

Period

703.10 min

Mean Motion

2.05 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-18

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LERC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 04069U 69069B   26200.24295348 -.00000473  00000+0  00000+0 0  9999

2 04069  17.2571 280.4119 6668362 251.7012  29.3518 02.04806420425863

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

Span

9.1

Dry Mass

1711

Launch Mass

4535

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

14.4325

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur 15D

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.

Trump Nominates Lt. Gen. Schiess as 3rd Space Force Chief | KeepTrack Space Brief

Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess nominated to lead Space Force, becoming the third Chief of Operations since the service's 2019 founding. Pentagon clears 8 firms for classified AI access.

X Report 9 Dec 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on the record-breaking 32nd flight of its Falcon 9 rocket. Elon Musk discusses a potential future as a Type II civilization, emphasizing the role of AI and satellite technology.

NASA Postpones Spacewalk Over Medical Concern, Sierra Space Delivers SDA Satellites Early | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA delays first 2026 spacewalk due to ISS crew medical issue. Sierra Space completes SDA Tranche 2 satellite structures ahead of schedule. Space Force advances Handle 2.0 standardization.

Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,191, X Report 14 Apr 2026

Starlink satellite count April 2026: 10,191 working of 10,209 in orbit. SpaceX flew its 1,000th Starlink of 2026 on April 14, adding 29 more sats.

LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything

A startup built on Cold War-era radar science now tracks 25,000 objects in orbit - and the Pentagon can't get enough of it. But can its radars really compete with the Space Surveillance Network?

X Report 4 Nov 2025

Tesla's Cybertruck fleet integrates with SpaceX operations at Starbase, showcasing synergy between Musk's companies.

X Report 9 Apr 2025

SpaceX makes strides with new GPS and Starlink launches while securing major U.S. government contracts.

X Report 5 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while returning to form with Starship testing at Starbase. Meanwhile, preparations for upcoming launches are underway.