Space Brief 6 Apr 2025
Today, we explore substantial U.S. defense contracts awarded for space launches, ESA's enigmatic Euclid images release, and SpaceX missions covering satellite launches and astronaut reentries.
SL-6 R/B (09558)
COSPAR: 1976-112B | Alt Name: Molniya-M No. 153 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 25, 1976
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09558
International Designator
1976-112B
Decay Date
1/23/1977
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B
Alternative Name
Molniya-M No. 153 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 22 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves its 450th Falcon 9 launch, setting a new turnaround record, while its competitor ULA remains grounded, awaiting clearance from the Space Force.
X Report 26 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Ax-4 private astronaut mission to the ISS while continuing its satellite deployment with 27 new Starlink satellites, amidst ongoing recovery efforts from the loss of Ship 36.
X Report 5 Jan 2025
SpaceX prepares for the next Starship test flight with significant vehicle upgrades, launches UAE's Thuraya-4 satellite, and reflects on a record-breaking 2024 while planning for a promising 2025.
Your Phone Already Talks to Space
SpaceX quietly built the world's largest 4G network without a single cell tower. Over 650 satellites now connect standard smartphones directly from orbit, and most people carrying compatible phones don't know the service exists.
Starlink Crosses 10,000 Active Satellites, X Report 18 Mar 2026
Starlink satellite count 2026: SpaceX tops 10,000 active satellites, 10,037 working of 11,558 launched, under seven years after first launch.
Space Brief 11 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a major partnership in space tech distribution, China's orbital refueling preparations under U.S. scrutiny, recent U.S. defense budget reveals, and an exciting hyperspectral imagery release from Xplore.
Rocket Lab Neutron Books 5 Launches, Space Brief 8 May 2026
Rocket Lab Neutron launch schedule holds at Q4 2026 for the first flight as a five-launch contract lands; barge recovery starts on flight two.