X Report 25 May 2025
SpaceX addresses the cause of its recent Starship Flight 8 explosion, while successfully launching 23 more Starlink satellites as it continues to expand its constellation.
SL-8 R/B (11610)
COSPAR: 1979-096B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 55-105 Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 1, 1979
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11610
International Designator
1979-096B
Decay Date
3/26/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 55-105 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
14.77
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.
Starship Launch Site Construction Advances at Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report
Starship launch site construction progresses at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Elon Musk trolls Ryanair after budget airline refuses to install Starlink on its fleet.
Space Brief 26 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers the US Space Force's pivotal journeys, emerging hypersonic weaponry, and innovative drone technologies, with a special satellite update featuring Jackal X-1L-001.
600th Falcon 9 Milestone Reached, Predawn President's Day Launch | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX celebrates 600th Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg. Predawn President's Day Starlink mission marks 10th Cape Canaveral launch of 2026. ISS crew boosted back to seven.
Tianlong-3 Fails on Debut; SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Tianlong-3 rocket failed during ascent on debut launch Friday. SpaceX secured $178.5M Space Force contract for missile tracking satellite launches beginning 2027.
Space Brief 1 Jun 2025
Today's highlights cover critical satellite launches including SpaceX's GPS III mission, advancements in SATCOM technology, and changes in NASA leadership.
Space Brief 10 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers increased Space Force funding, a renewed focus on nuclear power in space, a proposed US missile defense system, new defense budget revelations, and NATO's call for increased air defenses.
X Report 2 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers Starlink's role in disaster recovery in the Philippines, insights into the evolving direct-to-device market, and news of European plans for a reusable upper stage rocket inspired by SpaceX's Starship.