Space Brief 24 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers South Korea's fourth spy satellite launch, potential changes in drone deployment strategies by the US Air Force, and the largest-ever spectrum-sharing demonstration set by the Pentagon.
SL-6 R/B(1) (05353)
COSPAR: 1971-064B | Alt Name: Molniya-M No. 096 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 28, 1971
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05353
International Designator
1971-064B
Decay Date
8/29/1971
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Molniya-M No. 096 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
6.7
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.7
Dry Mass
2350
Launch Mass
2350
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S510
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.
Space Brief 6 Jul 2025
Today’s brief covers the delayed launch of Australia's first orbital rocket, China's reusability programs, and the snow-enforced shutdown of a Chilean radio telescope.
Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.
Space Brief 18 Dec 2024
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid response GPS launch, Raytheon's new rocket motor test, and Starlink's revenue surge. Plus, the Space Force's modernization push.
Falcon 9 Resumes Flights, Starbase Approved to Double in Size | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 resumes flights with 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg. SpaceX test-fires rocket ahead of Crew-12 launch. Starbase approved to nearly double its launch site footprint.
Firefly Alpha Returns to Flight After Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Firefly Aerospace launches return-to-flight Firefly Alpha on March 10 after Flight 6 anomaly. SpaceX also launches EchoStar 25 GEO satellite and multiple Starlink batches this week.
Shotwell Details xAI Power Pledge at White House | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell joined Trump at the White House to outline xAI's energy commitment, while Transporter-18 targets October 2026 launch.
Boeing Ramps Up Missile-Tracking Sensor Production for Military Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief
Boeing opens new facility to boost missile-tracking sensor production for military satellites. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects. 25 Starlink sats launched.