ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (05816)

COSPAR: 1972-003B | Alt Name: Centaur AC-28

Image
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 23, 1972

Launch Pad

LC36B

Launch Vehicle

Atlas SLV-3C Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

05816

International Designator

1972-003B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 10:11:22 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

28.48°

Right Ascension

311.44°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

271.17°

Period

651.63 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-28

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

LERC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 05816U 72003B   26185.42456314 -.00000176  00000+0 -10623-2 0  9992
2 05816  28.4846 311.4398 7182514 271.1748  19.1997 02.20983983438747

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

13.2699

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
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