ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (10722)

COSPAR: 1978-002B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-46

Image
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 7, 1978

Launch Pad

LC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3D Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

10722

International Designator

1978-002B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:13:56 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

21.82°

Right Ascension

334.58°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

183.86°

Period

649.03 min

Mean Motion

2.22 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-46

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LERC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 10722U 78002B   26185.21801066 -.00000090  00000-0 -40795-4 0  9995
2 10722  21.8214 334.5791 7169007 183.8551 187.1393  2.21869832284990

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

13.4516

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur D-1AR AC-46

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

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