SL-8 R/B (03230)

COSPAR: 1968-040B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M No. 17LM Stage 2

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 7, 1968

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/2

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03230

International Designator

1968-040B

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:06:05 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

74.03°

Right Ascension

43.76°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

190.77°

Period

95.75 min

Mean Motion

15.04 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

S3 bus USSR satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M No. 17LM Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RVSN

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 03230U 68040B   26200.71255855  .00001415  00000+0  10503-3 0  9996

2 03230  74.0290  43.7631 0024824 190.7707 169.2954 15.03952282109853

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

4.2

Diameter

2.4

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

1434

Launch Mass

1434

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

4.111

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

YUZH

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

SpinLaunch's Kinetic Launch System

How a California startup's massive centrifuge could transform space access by eliminating rocket fuel, reducing costs by 70%, and enabling daily satellite launches - if it can overcome the physics of scaling from suborbital tests to orbital reality

Starship V3 Flight 12 Succeeds Despite Engine Shutdown | KeepTrack X Report

Starship V3 completed Flight 12 on May 22 despite one vacuum Raptor shutting down early, with SpaceX's IPO filing revealing bold Starlink Mobile ambitions.

X Report 31 Oct 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 100th Starlink launch while refining its lunar lander design for NASA's Artemis program amidst calls for architectural changes.

Space Brief 21 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers the launch of the X-37B, cutting-edge quantum navigation systems, and the future of space-based military technology. Discover the role of SpaceX and the advancements in inertial navigation.

Space Brief 29 Jun 2025

Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.

Space Brief 16 Dec 2024

Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.

NordSpace Atlantic Spaceport Complex

Canada's sovereign space access finally has a construction site. How NordSpace is building the Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland - and what the scrubbed Taiga launch reveals about the path to orbit.

Starship V3 Static Fire Ignites 33 Engines, X Report 15 Apr 2026

SpaceX fired all 33 Raptor 3 engines in the Starship V3 static fire at Starbase, clearing Flight 12. Plus 1,000 Starlink satellites launched in 2026.