X Report 23 Dec 2024
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone in its satellite internet constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket was also successfully recovered at sea.
ATLAS 2A CENTAUR R/B (25020)
COSPAR: 1997-065B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-131
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 25, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25020
International Designator
1997-065B
Decay Date
9/27/1998
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 2A CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AC-131
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
17.3811
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur IIA(4) AC-131
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
LMA/DENV
Life Expectancy
10-15 days
Bus
Centaur
Configuration
Centaur-2A stage with instrument box
Motor
none (after Centaur burn out)
Equipment
GPS Receiver
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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