Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
SL-8 R/B (06207)
COSPAR: 1972-074B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 121-11 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 29, 1972
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06207
International Designator
1972-074B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:07:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
65.82°
Right Ascension
346.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
287.42°
Period
104.65 min
Mean Motion
13.76 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 121-11 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 06207U 72074B 26200.83862257 -.00000049 00000+0 32596-4 0 9998
2 06207 65.8246 346.4623 0031266 287.4215 224.2341 13.76019993701120
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
4.6168
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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