Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (10025)
COSPAR: 1977-041B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-39
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 1977
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
10025
International Designator
1977-041B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:50:07 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
21.49°
Right Ascension
250.90°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
142.87°
Period
646.07 min
Mean Motion
2.23 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AC-39
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 10025U 77041B 26184.86814550 -.00000103 00000-0 -63420-3 0 9999
2 10025 21.4873 250.8970 7168958 142.8677 282.7892 2.22887769398329
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
17.0618
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur D-1AR AC-39
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Day Apollo 14 Restored NASA's Lunar Dreams
Fifty-four years ago, a Saturn V rocket lifted off carrying three astronauts determined to prove America could still reach the Moon after the near-disaster of Apollo 13
Space Brief 29 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.
Crew-11 Completes First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, SpaceX Sets Pad Record | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 astronauts splashdown off California in first-ever ISS medical evacuation. SpaceX sets pad turnaround record at Cape Canaveral with Starlink 6-98 deploying 29 satellites.
SpaceX Eyes $1.75T Valuation in $75B IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets a $75B IPO valuing the company at over $1.75 trillion, while Falcon 9 chases its 200th drone ship landing at Vandenberg.
Space Brief 7 Jul 2025
Today's key topics include the halting of the U.S. Air Force's rocket landing pad plans, the Space Force's shift to a flexible satellite strategy, delays in Australia's Eris 1 rocket launch, and the controversial cut of satellite sea-ice data to climate scientists.
Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format
Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.
The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body