X Report 28 Nov 2025
Today marks a significant milestone as SpaceX successfully launches another batch of Starlink satellites, boosting global connectivity efforts.
SL-8 R/B (06966)
COSPAR: 1973-098B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 53-211 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 4, 1973
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06966
International Designator
1973-098B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:55:37 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
74.05°
Right Ascension
181.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
36.15°
Period
99.66 min
Mean Motion
14.45 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 53-211 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 06966U 73098B 26200.41362536 .00000122 00000+0 42715-4 0 9991
2 06966 74.0536 181.3141 0019941 36.1495 324.1007 14.44897202764112
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
4.8043
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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