ATLAS CENTAUR R/B(1) (05878)

COSPAR: 1972-012C | Alt Name: Centaur AC-27

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 3, 1972

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC36A

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3C Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

05878

International Designator

1972-012C

Decay Date

8/18/1972

Explore in the Catalog

Centaur D bus United States satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS CENTAUR R/B(1)

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-27

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

Span

8.6

Dry Mass

1700

Launch Mass

2000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur 24D

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

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