ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (20254)

COSPAR: 1989-077B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-68
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

September 25, 1989

Launch Pad

LC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas G Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20254

International Designator

1989-077B

Decay Date

5/9/1991

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-68

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

33.2097

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur D-1AR AC-68

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

LMASD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Centaur

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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