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ATLAS 2A CENTAUR R/B (26872)
COSPAR: 2001-031B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-142
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 23, 2001
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26872
International Designator
2001-031B
Decay Date
1/29/2002
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 2A CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AC-142
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
19.9526
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur AC-142
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMA/DENV
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Centaur
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
RL-10
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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