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Today's brief covers advances in satellite docking technology, challenges faced by space companies with government navigation, and China's leap in space autonomy through AI developments.
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR R/B (35317)
COSPAR: 2009-031C | Alt Name: LCROSS EDUS
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 18, 2009
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
35317
International Designator
2009-031C
Decay Date
10/9/2009
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
LCROSS EDUS
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ARC
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
2020
Launch Mass
7950
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur AV-020
Purpose
Lunar Impact
Mission
Lunar Impact
Manufacturer
LMSSD
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Centaur SEC
Configuration
Eagle-0 (ESPA-Sat) (S-S/S); Upper stage (EDUS)
Motor
RL10-4A-2
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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