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.
SL-6 R/B (01731)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Molniya 8K78(M) (N30) Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 12, 1965
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Unknown
Launch Vehicle
Unknown
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
01731
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
11/17/1965
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B
Alternative Name
Molniya 8K78(M) (N30) Blok-I
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
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
9.4
Diameter
2.7
Span
9.4
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8K78I
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
GAO Flags Risks in SDA Missile-Tracking Satellites, Lawmakers Push GPS Anti-Jam | KeepTrack Space Brief
GAO warns SDA missile-tracking satellite program overestimates tech readiness. SPACECOM pushes expanded on-orbit warfighting exercises. Congress advocates for enhanced GPS anti-jam capabilities.
Falcon 9 Suffers Second Straight Launch Abort, X Report 21 Jul 2026
SpaceX's Starlink 17-39 mission aborted at Vandenberg on July 20, mirroring Starship Flight 13's July 16 abort at Starbase.
SpaceX Buys Cursor AI for $60B After IPO, X Report 17 Jun 2026
SpaceX acquires Cursor AI maker Anysphere for $60B in its first post-IPO deal, as Falcon 9 lofts 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile.
The International Scientific Optical Network (ISON)
How a controversial telescope network has become a significant player in tracking the increasingly crowded orbital environment, raising important questions about transparency, dual-use technologies, and the future of space situational awareness.
NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Military Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
NRO awards three commercial satellite contracts, expanding scope to dynamic military target tracking. Former NASA chief Bridenstine joins Quantum Space for cislunar operations.
Satellites by Country
Explore a comprehensive breakdown of satellite counts by country, detailing the USA, Russia, China, and others.
X Report 10 Jun 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX include the debut of a new Dragon capsule for Axiom Space, continued Starlink deployments, and significant shifts in U.S. rural broadband funding that could benefit Starlink.