Space Brief 17 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include significant data release from NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, SpaceX's dual launches of Crew-10 and Starlink satellites, and intriguing findings from the arctic ice studies.
SL-8 R/B (10899)
COSPAR: 1978-049B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 98-316 Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 17, 1978
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
10899
International Designator
1978-049B
Decay Date
2/6/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 98-316 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
17.9946
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.
Starlink Restrictions Disrupt Russian Battlefield Communications | KeepTrack Space Brief
Starlink restrictions reportedly hit Moscow's drone coordination and frontline comms. SpaceX and xAI enter Pentagon's $100M drone contest. Sentinel ICBM to clear key review this year.
X Report 1 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites, marking another milestone for its broadband internet service. Meanwhile, the latest GPS III satellite was also launched for the U.S. military, showcasing SpaceX's multifaceted capabilities.
Second Starlink Satellite Generates Debris; Falcon 9 Booster Flies 34th Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Second Starlink satellite malfunctioned on orbit and generated debris within three months of prior event. Falcon 9 booster completed record 34th mission from Cape Canaveral.
Space Brief 27 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include new space-based interceptor developments, a UK space tracking partnership, a strategic satellite imagery alliance, and more.
Starship V3 Scrubbed & SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX scrubbed Starship Flight 12's V3 debut due to a hydraulic pin fault, then filed an $18.7B IPO S-1 targeting Nasdaq under ticker SPCX.
Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.
Falcon 9 Returns to Flight, Crew-12 Targets Feb 11 Launch | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 returns to flight with Starlink 17-33 mission after brief stand-down. Crew-12 astronaut launch confirmed for Feb 11. SpaceX shifts Dragon launches away from pad 39A.