ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (12908)

COSPAR: 1978-016C | Alt Name: Centaur AC-44

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 9, 1978

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC36A

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3D Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12908

International Designator

1978-016C

Decay Date

12/5/2005

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-44

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LERC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

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

19.7433

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur D-1AR AC-44

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Starship Launch Site Construction Advances at Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report

Starship launch site construction progresses at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Elon Musk trolls Ryanair after budget airline refuses to install Starlink on its fleet.

X Report 7 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while EchoStar enhances its stake in the company through a $2.6 billion spectrum deal, amid growing demands for space domain awareness.

Starship V3 Targets May 19 on New Pad 2 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship V3's debut from Launch Pad 2, while the FCC approves a $2.4B EchoStar spectrum deal for Starlink.

Space Brief 26 Jul 2025

Today's brief highlights the maiden flight of Blue Origin's Blue Ring spacecraft with a new AI-driven space sensor, debates on asteroid defense responsibilities, and updates on the U.S. Space Force's missile shield leadership.

Space Brief 4 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers China's new GEO Yaogan satellite launch, India's record-mass commsat, military tech updates, autonomous systems for maritime security, and insights from satellite imagery of Hurricane Melissa's impact in Jamaica.

X Report 8 Jul 2025

SpaceX marks a milestone with its 500th Falcon 9 mission during a week of notable developments, including ongoing Starlink deployments and changes in U.S. military plans.

Tesla-SpaceX 2027 Merger Predicted by Wall Street | KeepTrack X Report

Wall Street analyst Dan Ives predicts a Tesla-SpaceX merger by 2027, while a quantum magnetometer launches March 30 on Falcon 9 rideshare.

Space Brief 9 Jun 2025

Key space events for today include potential changes in US space policy involving SpaceX, uncertainties regarding NASA's Starliner, and China's new steps in asteroid exploration.