Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (14081)
COSPAR: 1983-047B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-61
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 19, 1983
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
14081
International Designator
1983-047B
Decay Date
2/14/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AC-61
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
59.18
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur D-1AR AC-61
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.
Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2025
Today's space brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's new satellite naming scheme, the Air Force Secretary's warnings on China's space advances, BAE Systems' DARPA award, strategies for future space defense, the importance of GEO satellite refueling, and Blue Origin's plans for Space Force certification.
Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2's four-person crew splashed down April 10 after first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. Orion performance data critical for Artemis 3 south pole landing planning.
X Report 26 Nov 2025
This edition highlights SpaceX's ambitious plans for Starship in light of recent developments, a busy launch week featuring multiple missions, and the latest updates on Starlink's operational status.
Pentagon Pauses LEO Constellation as Acquisition Reviews Continue | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon puts LEO constellation layers on hold during acquisition review. SpaceX and xAI join $100M autonomous drone contest. China's Zenk Space completes first stage static fire.
ESA Proba-3 Spacecraft Goes Silent, Formation Mission Halted | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month following on-orbit anomaly. Mission requires both satellites in precise formation for solar corona science. Recovery status uncertain.
X Report 21 Sep 2025
Key updates include a potential delay for the Starship lunar lander, successful static fire tests for Ship 38, and the latest Starlink satellite launch plans.