ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (10976)

COSPAR: 1978-068B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-41

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

Launch Date

June 29, 1978

Launch Pad

LC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3D Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

10976

International Designator

1978-068B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:20:35 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

21.11°

Right Ascension

140.28°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

128.13°

Period

647.43 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-41

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LERC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 10976U 78068B   26185.84763336  .00000001  00000+0  16831-3 0  9996
2 10976  21.1094 140.2849 7197016 128.1344 318.8780 02.22417693386552

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

15.4251

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur D-1AR AC-41

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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