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ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (12363)
COSPAR: 1981-018B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-42
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 21, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12363
International Designator
1981-018B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:09:24 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
20.86°
Right Ascension
328.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
81.95°
Period
648.27 min
Mean Motion
2.22 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-42
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12363U 81018B 26184.83986821 -.00000228 00000-0 -17831-2 0 9995
2 12363 20.8557 328.3647 7173242 81.9502 347.1198 2.22130318367795
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
15.4585
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur D-1AR AC-42
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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