NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched NROL-179 from Vandenberg at 1:50 a.m. PDT June 19, carrying Starshield spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.
SL-6 R/B(1) (06959)
COSPAR: 1973-097B | Alt Name: Molniya-M 19-550 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 30, 1973
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06959
International Designator
1973-097B
Decay Date
12/30/1973
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Molniya-M 19-550 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
11S510
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.
X Report 26 Dec 2024
Launch of 21 new Starlink satellites, featuring cell phone connectivity, and updates on NASA and SpaceX collaborative missions.
X Report 8 Apr 2025
SpaceX announces massive contract awards, advances Starship reusability, and continues to dominate with Starlink deployments.
Space Brief 7 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China’s latest satellite launches, leadership changes in the U.S. Space Force, insights from hyperspectral imagery on an Iranian facility, SpaceX's Starlink mission, and more.
SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Crosslink Deal, X Report 24 Apr 2026
SpaceX military contract: $57M to demo Link-182 waveform satellite crosslinks for Golden Dome missile defense. FCC denies its spectrum bid.
Space Brief 26 Aug 2025
Today's space news highlights include U.S. military satellite deployments, innovative AI aboard the Chinese space station, and breakthroughs in interplanetary communications.
Vulcan Grounded as GEM 63XL Booster Passes Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan remains grounded after February in-flight GEM 63XL booster anomaly. Northrop Grumman completed successful static fire test, but investigation ongoing with no return-to-flight date.
Space Brief 18 Jun 2025
Today's updates cover crucial developments in satellite licensing reforms, defense cybersecurity, and AI integration within government sectors.