Space Brief 5 Dec 2025
Focusing on military satellite initiatives, defense strategies, and advancements in air and cyber capabilities
TITAN 4B CENTAUR R/B (25009)
COSPAR: 1997-061B | Alt Name: Centaur TC-21
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 15, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan 401B/Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25009
International Designator
1997-061B
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TITAN 4B CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur TC-21
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
Diameter
4.3
Span
9
Dry Mass
1840
Launch Mass
26000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur TC-21
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Centaur T
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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