SL-8 R/B (06273)

COSPAR: 1972-088B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 47121-1U Stage 2

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

November 3, 1972

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06273

International Designator

1972-088B

Decay Date

7/19/1980

Explore in the Catalog

S3 bus USSR satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 47121-1U 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

17.8418

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OAZ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

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.

Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encounters thruster problems and helium leaks during its first crewed mission, potentially delaying the return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station.

X Report 9 Mar 2025

SpaceX reveals plans for Florida Starship launches, NASA teams up for dual missions, and FCC boosts satellite connectivity.

Space Brief 20 May 2025

Today's brief covers potential roles for commercial satellites in missile defense, SpaceX's new launch site plans at Vandenberg, and partnerships for space nuclear propulsion. Discover updates on military space projects and international defense agreements.

The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth

Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage

X Report 25 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the historic Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, marking a significant milestone in private space travel, while also expanding Starlink's reach into Vietnam's healthcare sector.

10,168 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 Apr 2026

Current number of Starlink satellites in orbit April 2026: 10,168 working of 10,177 tracked, 11,724 launched. Fleet health tops 99.9%.

X Report 24 Dec 2025

SpaceX gears up for significant 2026 launches while a Starlink satellite anomaly provides insights into its operations.

The Day South Korea Achieved Independent Space Launch Capability

Twelve years ago, South Korea successfully launched a satellite using its own launch vehicle and facilities for the first time, marking a crucial milestone in its journey to space independence