Space Brief 27 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include the certification of ULA's Vulcan rocket for national security missions, developments in nuclear timekeeping for GPS systems, and updates on the Space Force's new warfighting framework.
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B (00951)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Surveyor Model 1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 11, 1964
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00951
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
12/12/1964
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ATLAS CENTAUR R/B
Alternative Name
Surveyor Model 1
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
2.4
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.4
Dry Mass
952
Launch Mass
952
Shape
Disk + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Surveyor SM-1
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
JPL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Surveyor Model
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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