X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR R/B (35952)
COSPAR: 2009-057B | Alt Name: Centaur AV-017
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2009
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
35952
International Designator
2009-057B
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AV-017
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ULAL
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
8200
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur AV-017
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMSSD
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Centaur SEC
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
RL10-4A-2
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX secures $57 million military contract for Link-182 satellite crosslink demo supporting Golden Dome missile defense. Also joins software working group.
Space Brief 5 Jun 2025
Today's brief highlights a significant geospatial data collaboration between Maxar and Saab, defense budget discussions affecting satellite deployments, and the naming of new military command chiefs.
Starship Flight 12 Summary: V3 Reaches Space, X Report 24 May 2026
Starship Flight 12 summary: V3 reached space May 22 and survived reentry despite one Raptor vacuum engine shutdown, with most test objectives complete.
The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey
Fifty-nine years ago, a revolutionary new rocket thundered skyward from Cape Kennedy, testing the spacecraft that would eventually carry astronauts to the lunar surface
Space Brief 20 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, a pivotal delivery to the Space Force, and significant Senate funding for NASA missions.
Space Brief 2 May 2025
Today's space highlights include significant military contracts for aerospace innovations, advancements in small-satellite procurement, and discussions on the role of nuclear energy in space exploration.
X Report 28 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.