SL-12 R/B(1) (10988)

COSPAR: 1978-073B | Alt Name: Proton-K 292-02 Stage 3

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

July 18, 1978

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC200/40

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K/DM

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

10988

International Designator

1978-073B

Decay Date

7/20/1978

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-12 R/B(1)

Alternative Name

Proton-K 292-02 Stage 3

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

6.5

Diameter

4.2

Span

6.5

Dry Mass

4185

Launch Mass

4185

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

8S812

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

ZIKH

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

8S812

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.

Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon increases Golden Dome missile defense budget by $10B to $185B, funding HBTSS hypersonic tracking constellation expansion. Three acceleration priorities announced.

Space Brief 18 Mar 2025

Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.

Australian Space Centre Cape York

When your landlord won't sign the lease, you move. How Equatorial Launch Australia abandoned Arnhem Land and pivoted to Queensland - and what it means for Australia's equatorial launch ambitions.

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.

X Report 20 May 2025

SpaceX gears up for new Starlink shell deployment and secures updated licensing for Starship, amidst ongoing preparations for Falcon 9 launches.

Pentagon Gives Anthropic Friday Deadline on AI Policy, Vulcan Still Grounded | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon gives Anthropic Friday deadline to loosen military AI policy. Space Force keeps Vulcan grounded over booster issue. Funding boost speeds missile-tracking satellites.

Space Brief 20 Nov 2025

Today's briefing covers a DARPA award for Redwire's innovative satellite project, Ursa Major's expansion in defense engines, a Rocket Lab military test flight, and more.

X Report 13 Nov 2024

SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites as Starship prepares for full stack testing, amidst Musk's new governmental role.