X Report 11 Dec 2024
SpaceX advances with new Starship engine tests and celebrates a festive launch at Vandenberg. Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination brings excitement and scrutiny.
SL-7 R/B (04253)
COSPAR: 1969-102B | Alt Name: Kosmos-2 (N49) Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 24, 1969
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K63
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04253
International Designator
1969-102B
Decay Date
1/19/1970
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-7 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2 (N49) Stage 2
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
8
Diameter
1.6
Span
8
Dry Mass
840
Launch Mass
840
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
S1M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S1
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.
Space Brief 29 Mar 2025
Key military and technology developments in space; US Space Force and Army strategize national security with new rocket certifications and space training initiatives.
The Day a Car Started Its Journey to the Stars
Seven years ago, SpaceX revolutionized spaceflight by launching the most powerful operational rocket in the world, carrying with it a cherry-red Tesla Roadster that captured global imagination
X Report 12 Jan 2025
SpaceX concludes a wet dress rehearsal for Starship Flight 7, aiming for the largest rocket launch on January 15 after weather delays.
Virgin Galactic's Upcoming "Galactic 06" Spaceflight
On January 26, 2024, Virgin Galactic's "Galactic 06" mission will launch, marking its 11th spaceflight.
Pentagon Pulls the Plug on GPS OCX | The $8 Billion Ground System That Never Worked
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Space Force officially cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System after sixteen years of development, cost overruns, and testing failures. The $8 billion program was supposed to unlock the military's encrypted GPS signal. Instead, the satellites are flying with capabilities the ground can't command.
X Report 30 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches SpainSat NG-1 satellite as Starlink compatibility causes market ripples.
Space Brief 11 Sep 2024
A recap of notable space events including the Soyuz MS-26 launch to the ISS, Polaris Dawn's altitude achievement, and satellite tracking updates.