SL-8 R/B (11164)

COSPAR: 1978-120B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 68-305 Stage 2
DECAYED

Image
SL-8 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 22, 1978

Launch Site

KYMSC

Launch Pad

LC107/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

11164

International Designator

1978-120B

Decay Date

8/18/1979

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 68-305 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

Unknown

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.

Artemis 2 Targets April 1 Lunar Flyby with 4-Person Crew | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Targets April 1 Lunar Flyby with 4-Person Crew | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA's Artemis 2 launches April 1 with Commander Reid Wiseman and 3 crew members for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972.

X Report 31 Jul 2025

X Report 31 Jul 2025

Today's highlights include the ongoing Crew-11 mission launch and Starship preparations for its upcoming test flight.

The Satellite That Found 22 Photons and Changed Astronomy

The Satellite That Found 22 Photons and Changed Astronomy

On April 27, 1961, a Scout rocket lifted a 37-kilogram NASA satellite into orbit from Wallops Island carrying the first serious instrument for detecting cosmic gamma rays. Explorer 11 operated for seven months before its tape recorder failed. In that time it registered 22 gamma-ray photons - a pitiful number by modern standards, but enough to launch an entire branch of astronomy.

X Report 8 Oct 2025

X Report 8 Oct 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking significant advancements in their deployment and operational capabilities.

X Report 14 Jul 2025

X Report 14 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Dror 1 satellite for Israel Aerospace Industries, marking another step forward in their launch capabilities.

X Report 7 Apr 2025

X Report 7 Apr 2025

SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.

Space Brief 26 May 2025

Space Brief 26 May 2025

Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.

X Report 8 Dec 2025

X Report 8 Dec 2025

SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.