SL-8 R/B (05629)

COSPAR: 1971-103B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 17-101 Stage 2
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

November 30, 1971

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/2

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

05629

International Designator

1971-103B

Decay Date

5/4/1980

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 17-101 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

4.2

Diameter

2.4

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

1434

Launch Mass

1434

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

33.8126

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Ku-Band

Ku-Band

The frequency band that brought satellite TV to small dishes on rooftops and revolutionized direct-to-home broadcasting

Space Brief 4 Feb 2025

Space Brief 4 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.

Space Brief 8 Mar 2025

Space Brief 8 Mar 2025

Today's Space Brief covers the landing of the X-37B spaceplane after a 434-day mission, the postponement of SDA's satellite launch, and the fiery debris from SpaceX's Starship over The Bahamas.

2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report

2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.

A Celebration of Earth Day | Photos of Home

A Celebration of Earth Day | Photos of Home

For 56 years, April 22 has been the day the world stops to look at itself. Before that was possible, someone had to invent the view. This is the story of how we first saw Earth from the outside, from a crashed V-2 camera in the New Mexico desert to the Blue Marble that still hangs on classroom walls.

SpaceX's Military Pivot Takes Center Stage, X Report 19 Jul 2026

SpaceX's Military Pivot Takes Center Stage, X Report 19 Jul 2026

This Week In Space Episode 219 examines SpaceX's expanding military ties as Starlink's constellation tops 12,552 satellites launched.

Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force executes first tactical orbital intercept under Victus Haze mission using commercial spacecraft. Rendezvous and proximity operations now operationally demonstrated.

Space Brief 13 Jan 2025

Space Brief 13 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers Blue Origin's launch delay, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink mission, and highlights the YAOGAN-43 O1C satellite.