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ATLAS 28E R/B (20563)
COSPAR: 1990-031D | Alt Name: Altair
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 11, 1990
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E Altair
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20563
International Designator
1990-031D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:49:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
89.87°
Right Ascension
256.25°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
117.29°
Period
97.27 min
Mean Motion
14.80 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 28E R/B
Alternative Name
Altair
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD2
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20563U 90031D 26184.90915462 .00001365 00000-0 17103-3 0 9996
2 20563 89.8728 256.2518 0060372 117.2905 243.4484 14.80411005373020
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
1.5
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
31
Launch Mass
31
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Star 20 E-44
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 20
Configuration
Instruments mounted on upper stage
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
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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