Space Brief 16 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers ULA's new mission for the US Space Force, China's moon rocket test, delays in the DARC radar system, and SpaceX's Starlink launches.
ATLAS CENTAUR 2 (00694)
COSPAR: 1963-047A | Alt Name: AC-2 Instrumentation Ring
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 27, 1963
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00694
International Designator
1963-047A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:20:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
30.35°
Right Ascension
265.99°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
24.81°
Period
101.94 min
Mean Motion
14.13 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR 2
Alternative Name
AC-2 Instrumentation Ring
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
LERC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 00694U 63047A 26184.88930472 .00001240 00000-0 14052-3 0 9993
2 00694 30.3528 265.9910 0545764 24.8058 337.7783 14.12548431148062
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
0.6
Diameter
1.5
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
900
Launch Mass
900
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
6.388
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
AC-2
Purpose
Instrumented second stage
Mission
Instrumented second stage
Manufacturer
GDC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
AC R&D
Configuration
Instrumented Centaur
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 8 Apr 2025
SpaceX announces massive contract awards, advances Starship reusability, and continues to dominate with Starlink deployments.
Space Brief 27 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers next-generation missile defense strategies, NASA's Dream Chaser contract updates, and technological advances in Air Force cyber defense.
Space Brief 9 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers significant developments in international rocket designs, recent astronaut health updates, and advancements in supersonic flight technology.
DARPA Robotic GEO Servicer Targeting Summer 2026 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
DARPA's robotic satellite servicing mission targets GEO orbit by summer 2026. NASA adds six SpaceX crew missions as Boeing Starliner remains uncertified.
The Rise of Super Heavy-Lift Rockets
Super heavy-lift rockets are the most powerful launch vehicles ever built. They can send humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But what are they, and why are they so important?
X Report 8 Aug 2025
SpaceX celebrates its 100th launch of the year with a Falcon 9 mission carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites, while Crew-10 prepares for its return from the ISS and the company expands its interplanetary ambitions with new Mars partnerships.
The Feasibility of Transitioning from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine
As Ukraine explores alternatives to SpaceX's Starlink, the potential adoption of Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite network raises critical questions about connectivity, resilience, and strategic autonomy.