Space Brief 22 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers a range of critical space industry updates, from Space Force's strategic initiatives to SpaceX's latest launch record and groundbreaking developments in orbital manufacturing.
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (04069)
COSPAR: 1969-069B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-18
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 12, 1969
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3C Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04069
International Designator
1969-069B
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:51:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
17.28°
Right Ascension
284.32°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
244.54°
Period
703.12 min
Mean Motion
2.05 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Centaur AC-18
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04069U 69069B 26183.16041749 -.00000259 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 04069 17.2834 284.3162 6669546 244.5438 34.7479 2.04801278425517
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
9.1
Diameter
3
Span
9.1
Dry Mass
1711
Launch Mass
4535
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
14.4325
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur 15D
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
GDC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Centaur D
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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