Space Brief 1 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers a record-breaking Starlink launch, FCC's allocation of additional spectrum for launches, and more. Plus, explore the intricacies of satellite Rassvet-2 No. 1 in our Satellite Spotlight.
ATLAS 2AS CENTAUR R/B (26636)
COSPAR: 2000-080B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-157
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 6, 2000
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIAS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26636
International Designator
2000-080B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:30:21 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
26.19°
Right Ascension
292.70°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
27.37°
Period
335.14 min
Mean Motion
4.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 2AS CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AC-157
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LMA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26636U 00080B 26185.10441405 .00020486 00000-0 16376-2 0 9997
2 26636 26.1946 292.7005 5859619 27.3699 353.9965 4.29675026 97228
Source: Celestrak
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur IIA AC-157
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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