Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR DEB (52943)
COSPAR: 2022-073D | Alt Name: USSF 12 Booster Adapter
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 1, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 541
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52943
International Designator
2022-073D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:18:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
3.85°
Right Ascension
78.44°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
52.26°
Period
1459.40 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS 5 CENTAUR DEB
Alternative Name
USSF 12 Booster Adapter
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ULAD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52943U 22073D 26200.76312606 .00000017 00000+0 00000+0 0 9994
2 52943 3.8454 78.4386 0007706 52.2576 307.7412 00.98670540 11951
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.5
Diameter
1.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
100
Launch Mass
100
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ULAD
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
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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