Space Brief 18 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.
SL-4 R/B (06944)
COSPAR: 1973-092B | Alt Name: Voskhod 19-177 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 21, 1973
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06944
International Designator
1973-092B
Decay Date
12/4/1973
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Voskhod 19-177 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
11A57I
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.
Varda W-5 Reentry Lands in Australia, Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill | KeepTrack Space Brief
Varda Space's W-5 mission lands safely in Australia. Leonardo DRS wins SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3 infrared payload contract. Senate passes $839B defense bill.
Crew-11 Astronauts Arrive in Houston After Historic ISS Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston following first-ever ISS medical evacuation. Starlink continues robust satellite deployment schedule with ongoing constellation expansion.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.
Space Brief 8 Nov 2025
Today's Space Brief covers major developments in Pentagon procurement methods, strategic satellite intelligence advancements, and increasing interest in drone technology within the defense sector.
X Report 2 Jul 2025
SpaceX achieved significant milestones with the launch of its 500th Falcon 9 rocket and the deployment of a European weather satellite, showcasing its ongoing impact in space exploration and satellite technology.
Starship Florida Launch Targeting 2026 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX is pushing to launch Starship from Cape Canaveral before end of 2026, with contractors ramping work at LC-39A.
Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.