X Report 28 Nov 2025
Today marks a significant milestone as SpaceX successfully launches another batch of Starlink satellites, boosting global connectivity efforts.
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (12497)
COSPAR: 1981-050B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-56
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 23, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12497
International Designator
1981-050B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:02:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
23.96°
Right Ascension
88.29°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
256.13°
Period
163.43 min
Mean Motion
8.81 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-56
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12497U 81050B 26184.96013258 .00007693 00000-0 59851-3 0 9998
2 12497 23.9575 88.2893 3248550 256.1319 66.2099 8.81097932178463
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
15.3156
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur D-1AR AC-56
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.
Space Brief 31 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.
The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun
Fifteen years ago, NASA launched its most advanced solar observatory, revolutionizing our understanding of our star and transforming space weather prediction
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
SpaceX and Starlink
This article delves into SpaceX's incredible journey from its inception to becoming a space industry leader, and its Starlink project's mission to provide global internet access.
Falcon 9 Lifts 11,000 lbs of ISS Cargo on NG-24 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches Northrop Grumman's Cygnus NG-24 to the ISS carrying 11,000 lbs of critical cargo this weekend.
X Report 3 May 2025
Key updates include a successful Falcon 9 launch of 28 Starlink satellites and a static fire test of the Starship spacecraft, while T-Mobile's Starlink service aims to attract new customers.
Golden Dome Missile Shield Costs Up to $1.2T Over 20 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief
CBO estimates Golden Dome national missile shield at $1.2 trillion over 20 years. Space-based intercept layer could add thousands of satellites to tracked orbital regimes.