SL-12 R/B(1) (11159)

COSPAR: 1978-118B | Alt Name: Proton-K 295-02 Stage 3

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 19, 1978

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC200/40

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K/DM

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

11159

International Designator

1978-118B

Decay Date

12/21/1978

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-12 R/B(1)

Alternative Name

Proton-K 295-02 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.

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.

X Report 16 Apr 2025

SpaceX gears up for another busy week with a Falcon 9 launch to the ISS while Vast Space expands its Haven-1 payload roster.

Space Brief 30 Apr 2025

Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.

Space Brief 14 Jun 2025

Today's space news roundup highlights a significant defense bill passed for the Space Force, a delay in the Axiom-4 mission due to ISS issues, and major satellite deals with NATO.

Iran Struck U.S. Aircraft Despite 'Maxed Out' Defense | KeepTrack Space Brief

Iran successfully struck U.S. aircraft in Saudi Arabia despite maxed-out defensive posture. Space Force ISR and missile warning gaps exposed. Tracking impacts.

Space Brief 12 Apr 2025

Highlights include significant advances in satellite refueling experiments, a key design milestone for missile defense, and a feature on the satellite Cosmos 2246.

Space Brief 10 Sep 2025

Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.

STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus

On May 4, 1989, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from LC-39B carrying Magellan, NASA's first interplanetary mission since 1978. The eleven-year drought ended in a payload bay, and the radar that emerged would map ninety-eight percent of Venus through clouds that no camera could ever see through.