Space Brief 2 Apr 2025
DARPA's accidental SpaceX detection highlights Earth as a natural sensor, while SpaceX's Fram2 launches into a polar orbit. Helsinki's defense budget rise hints at increased military satellite activity.
Launch Date
December 17, 1975
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
08493
International Designator
1975-121B
Decay Date
1/14/1976
Name
SL-6 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Molniya-M 31-567 Blok-I
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
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
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