SL-6 R/B(2) (11555)

COSPAR: 1979-058D | Alt Name: Blok-L

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

June 27, 1979

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC41/1

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

11555

International Designator

1979-058D

Decay Date

1/4/2012

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-6 R/B(2)

Alternative Name

Blok-L

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

2.7

Diameter

2.5

Span

2.7

Dry Mass

1000

Launch Mass

4500

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

4.9015

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Blok-2BL No. 77338631

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

NPOE

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Blok-L

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.

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.

Space Brief 27 Oct 2025

Today's space highlights include the US Space Force's advanced tracking contract, a milestone in SpaceX's Starlink program, and a new initiative to remove space debris.

Space Brief 3 Apr 2025

Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.

Space Brief 16 Jan 2025

Explore today's pivotal news in space with highlights on record government space budgets, military satellite developments, and significant industry shifts.

The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever

Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe

New Glenn Explodes After USSF Awards Blue Origin Security Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn rocket exploded hours after U.S. Space Force and NRO awarded Blue Origin a national security launch task order. Stand-down and mishap investigation expected.

Top 10 Features You Didn't Know About Starlink

Discover the hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's revolutionary Starlink satellite internet service, from Easter eggs to advanced technical features.

Two-Line Element Set (TLE)

The compact data format that describes every tracked satellite orbit in just two lines of text, and how to read it