ATLAS 2A CENTAUR R/B (23742)

COSPAR: 1995-069B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-120
DECAYED

Image
ATLAS 2A CENTAUR R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 15, 1995

Launch Pad

LC36A

Launch Vehicle

Atlas IIA

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23742

International Designator

1995-069B

Decay Date

3/16/2002

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS 2A CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-120

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LMA

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

10.1

Diameter

3.1

Span

10.1

Dry Mass

2095

Launch Mass

2095

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

22.3096

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur IIA(4N) AC-120

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

LMA/DENV

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

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.

SDA Awards $1.75B for Golden Dome Missile Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA Awards $1.75B for Golden Dome Missile Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA hands L3Harris and Sierra Space $1.75B to build missile warning satellites for Pentagon's Golden Dome shield, targeting 2028 demonstration under accelerated schedule.

Space Brief 4 Aug 2025

Space Brief 4 Aug 2025

Key developments in space today include significant satellite launches, advancements in space technology, and an exciting crewed suborbital flight. Highlights cover China's satellite internet progress, a promising innovation for solar cells, and recent SpaceX and Blue Origin activities.

Earthquake Sensors Repurposed to Track Space Debris Reentry | KeepTrack Space Brief

Earthquake Sensors Repurposed to Track Space Debris Reentry | KeepTrack Space Brief

Scientists use earthquake sensors to track space debris reentry via sonic boom detection. SpaceX launches 25 Starlink satellites in seventh mission of 2026. NASA and DOE partner for lunar nuclear power.

X Report 7 Feb 2025

X Report 7 Feb 2025

DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.

X Report 13 Jan 2025

X Report 13 Jan 2025

SpaceX gears up for a series of launches, including Starlink deployments, lunar missions, and updates on the Starship program.

Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX accelerates Block 3 Starship pad work at Starbase as Russia preps Soyuz-5 debut alongside Falcon 9 internet satellite launches.

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.