ATLAS 1 CENTAUR R/B (23858)

COSPAR: 1996-027B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-78

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 30, 1996

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas I

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23858

International Designator

1996-027B

Decay Date

6/9/2000

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS 1 CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-78

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

1840

Launch Mass

1840

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

8.8

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur I AC-78

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

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