SL-8 R/B (08531)

COSPAR: 1976-001B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 31-269 Stage 2

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 6, 1976

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

08531

International Designator

1976-001B

Decay Date

3/15/1981

Explore in the Catalog

S3 bus USSR satellites Rocket Bodies

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 31-269 Stage 2

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

4.2

Diameter

2.4

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

1434

Launch Mass

1434

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

17.09

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OAZ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

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.

Space Brief 7 Jul 2025

Today's key topics include the halting of the U.S. Air Force's rocket landing pad plans, the Space Force's shift to a flexible satellite strategy, delays in Australia's Eris 1 rocket launch, and the controversial cut of satellite sea-ice data to climate scientists.

Space Force Awards $54.5M to Starfish Space for GEO Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards $54.5M to Starfish Space for GEO satellite servicing vehicle. Artemis II heads to launch pad for first crewed Moon flyby in 54 years. Crew-12 confirmed.

Space Brief 1 Mar 2025

Today's Space Brief covers reentries, the impact of NOAA dismissals on space weather tracking, a strategic academic partnership probing cosmic mysteries, and a newly unveiled space motto.

X Report 8 Oct 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking significant advancements in their deployment and operational capabilities.

Space Brief 9 Jul 2025

Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.

Skyroot's Vikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Breaks Indian Launch Monopoly, Space Brief 18 Jul 2026

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket achieved orbit on July 18, becoming the first Indian commercial rocket to do so and breaking ISRO's launch monopoly.

Space Brief 23 Mar 2025

Discover today's fascinating space events, from exceptional aurora displays to potential exomoon formations, alongside intriguing satellite insights.