SL-13 R/B (06499)

COSPAR: 1973-026B | Alt Name: Proton-K 284-01 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
SL-13 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 11, 1973

Launch Pad

LC81/23

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06499

International Designator

1973-026B

Decay Date

5/17/1973

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-13 R/B

Alternative Name

Proton-K 284-01 Stage 3

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

6.5

Diameter

4.2

Span

6.5

Dry Mass

4185

Launch Mass

4185

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

8S812

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

ZIKH

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

8S812

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.

X Report 27 Nov 2024

X Report 27 Nov 2024

SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.

SpaceX Unveils Stargaze SSA System, Explores xAI Merger Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Unveils Stargaze SSA System, Explores xAI Merger Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX unveils Stargaze space situational awareness system during 13th launch of January. Reports surface of SpaceX-xAI merger talks ahead of potential IPO. Dual-coast Starlink launches from CA and FL.

China's Shenlong Deploys Six Objects

China's Shenlong Deploys Six Objects

Details on China's current Shenlong spaceplane mission and its recent deployment of six objects.

The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong

The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong

The satellite industry's biggest operators are betting on multi-orbit architectures that combine LEO, MEO, and GEO into unified networks. A San Francisco startup called Contrivian thinks they've overcomplicated the problem, and the physics might be on its side.

SpinLaunch's Kinetic Launch System

SpinLaunch's Kinetic Launch System

How a California startup's massive centrifuge could transform space access by eliminating rocket fuel, reducing costs by 70%, and enabling daily satellite launches - if it can overcome the physics of scaling from suborbital tests to orbital reality

Falcon 9 Grounded After Upper Stage Anomaly, Crew-12 at Risk | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 Grounded After Upper Stage Anomaly, Crew-12 at Risk | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX pauses all Falcon 9 launches after upper stage anomaly during Starlink mission. Crew-12 astronaut launch may be affected. Booster 19 rolls out for cryogenic testing.

Space Brief 20 Nov 2025

Space Brief 20 Nov 2025

Today's briefing covers a DARPA award for Redwire's innovative satellite project, Ursa Major's expansion in defense engines, a Rocket Lab military test flight, and more.

SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Jun 2026

SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Jun 2026

SpaceX wins a $4.16 billion Space Force satellite contract to track airborne threats worldwide, while dual-pad launches add 53 Starlink satellites.