ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (02143)

COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Centaur AC-8

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 8, 1966

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

Unknown

Launch Vehicle

Unknown

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

02143

International Designator

N/A

Decay Date

4/17/1966

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-8

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

8.6

Diameter

Span

8.6

Dry Mass

2000

Launch Mass

2000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur 3D

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

GDC

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Centaur D

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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