Space Brief 19 Mar 2025
Today's brief explores a simulated 'dogfight' in space by Chinese satellites, insights into a cloud platform by Oracle and Singapore's defense agency, and more space-related developments.
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (08840)
COSPAR: 1976-042B | Alt Name: Centaur D-1AR AC-38
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 13, 1976
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
08840
International Designator
1976-042B
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:02:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
20.91°
Right Ascension
182.82°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.93°
Period
646.97 min
Mean Motion
2.23 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur D-1AR AC-38
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 08840U 76042B 26199.37670343 .00000063 00000+0 82396-3 0 9998
2 08840 20.9080 182.8189 7200730 269.9328 344.8755 02.22576511292062
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
1800
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
14.8503
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur D-1AR AC-38
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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