China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Shenlong spaceplane released an unidentified object in orbit, drawing scrutiny amid U.S. Space Force Victus Haze RPO demonstrations. Tracking data critical.
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (04882)
COSPAR: 1971-006B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-25
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 26, 1971
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3C Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04882
International Designator
1971-006B
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:02:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
27.55°
Right Ascension
251.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
65.56°
Period
652.29 min
Mean Motion
2.21 rev/day
Latitude
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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-25
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 4882U 71006B 26183.46030772 -.00000051 00000-0 -34625-3 0 9996
2 4882 27.5483 251.0494 7192907 65.5596 350.8494 2.20762367443536
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
3.1
Span
9.1
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
15.1633
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Centaur 20D
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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