X Report 30 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-15 mission, deploying 140 payloads, while Elon Musk addressed media narratives related to Starlink's humanitarian efforts following recent disasters.
SL-8 R/B (09576)
COSPAR: 1976-115B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 31-273 Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 1976
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
09576
International Designator
1976-115B
Decay Date
2/28/1981
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 31-273 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
13.8923
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.
Space Brief 14 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking Falcon launches, urgent warnings about orbital collisions, and a doubleheader launch featuring spy and Starlink satellites.
X Report 9 May 2025
SpaceX makes strides in various sectors, from Starlink expanding services on United Airlines to new hardware aimed at enhancing home connectivity.
Transporter-16 Lofts 119 Payloads to SSO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches 119 payloads on Transporter-16, the 21st smallsat rideshare mission, from Vandenberg SFB at 1102 UTC.
Hypersonica Missile Hits Mach 6 in Norway Flight Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
Hypersonica completes Mach 6+ hypersonic missile flight test in Norway covering 300+ km. Pentagon seeks commercial GEO spy satellites. Gilat wins $9M Israeli defense satcom deal.
X Report 5 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Maxar's high-resolution imaging satellites, Ontario reconsiders its Starlink contract, and the countdown to NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission begins.
Space Brief 28 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.