SL-8 R/B (05218)

COSPAR: 1971-041J | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 27-121 Stage 2

Image
SL-8 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 7, 1971

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

05218

International Designator

1971-041J

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:50:43 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

74.03°

Right Ascension

94.32°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

95.11°

Period

116.86 min

Mean Motion

12.32 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 27-121 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RVSN

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 05218U 71041J   26201.16022123 -.00000011  00000+0  33037-4 0  9999
2 05218  74.0281  94.3157 0066288  95.1097  57.6569 12.32234081698872

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

5.7849

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OAZ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

S3

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.
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 28 Feb 2025

X Report 28 Feb 2025

SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.

X Report 29 Jul 2025

X Report 29 Jul 2025

Today’s brief highlights developments including the Crew-11 launch preparations and the impact of Starlink satellites on radio telescope observations.

X Report 24 Jun 2025

X Report 24 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-14 mission, adding multiple payloads, including Canadian satellites and a memorial capsule, while Starlink expands its services in Vietnam and enhances T-Mobile's reach.

Space Brief 5 Oct 2025

Space Brief 5 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.

Space Brief 6 Dec 2025

Space Brief 6 Dec 2025

Discover the latest developments in hypersonic missile production, defense innovation strategies, and satellite infrastructure resilience impacting military operations.

Space Brief 19 Jun 2025

Space Brief 19 Jun 2025

Discover key developments in space defense and military operations, including new leadership for Space Force's 'Golden Dome,' SpaceX's contract for a military SATCOM network, and increased Israeli-Iranian missile activity.

The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun

The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun

Fifteen years ago, NASA launched its most advanced solar observatory, revolutionizing our understanding of our star and transforming space weather prediction

Space Brief 22 Sep 2025

Space Brief 22 Sep 2025

Today's edition highlights the operational deployment of HawkEye 360's Cluster 12, Shandong's record satellite launch, Planet Labs' latest imaging achievements, SpaceX's Starlink launches, and more.