ATLAS 3B CENTAUR R/B (27379)

COSPAR: 2002-006B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-204
DECAYED

Image
ATLAS 3B CENTAUR R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 21, 2002

Launch Pad

SLC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas 3B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

27379

International Designator

2002-006B

Decay Date

9/24/2002

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ATLAS 3B CENTAUR R/B

Alternative Name

Centaur AC-204

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

11.7

Diameter

3.1

Span

11.7

Dry Mass

2130

Launch Mass

2130

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

22.1585

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Centaur IIIB DEC AC-204

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

LMA/DENV

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Centaur DEC

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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