Space Brief 30 Aug 2024
Today's highlights include General Dynamics' contract extension with SDA, ABL Space Systems layoffs, NASA's Crew-9 mission adjustments, and Galactic Energy's successful satellite launch.
ATLAS 2AS CENTAUR R/B (26858)
COSPAR: 2001-026B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-156
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 19, 2001
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIAS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26858
International Designator
2001-026B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:08:00 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
45.04°
Right Ascension
339.57°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
120.44°
Period
346.40 min
Mean Motion
4.16 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-156
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LMA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26858U 01026B 26184.42222905 -.00000046 00000-0 00000-0 0 9996
2 26858 45.0377 339.5660 0094039 120.4372 240.1141 4.15709887380231
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
28.933
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur AC-156
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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