SL-8 R/B (11633)

COSPAR: 1979-100B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 68-309 Stage 2
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

December 5, 1979

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/2

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

11633

International Designator

1979-100B

Decay Date

1/31/1981

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 68-309 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

18.9103

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.

Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report

Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk pushed back on orbital crowding concerns as SpaceX eyes data centers in space, with 10,584 Starlink satellites currently operational.

JSC Vimpel

JSC Vimpel

An analysis of Russia's independent space tracking system and how it compares to the established U.S. Space Surveillance Network

The Day a Jupiter-Bound Spacecraft Traveled Past Venus

The Day a Jupiter-Bound Spacecraft Traveled Past Venus

Thirty-five years ago, NASA's Galileo spacecraft made a crucial flyby of Venus, pioneering a complex path through the inner solar system that would revolutionize planetary exploration

X Report 21 Dec 2024

X Report 21 Dec 2024

SpaceX prepares for Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission launch, while FAA updates license for Starship's next flight; Crew Dragon mission faces delays.

X Report 16 Jul 2025

X Report 16 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites while marking a significant milestone with the 500th Falcon 9 mission. Additionally, the company is preparing for further testing of its Starship system and has begun collaborating with Amazon on their Project Kuiper constellation.

Space Brief 21 Jan 2025

Space Brief 21 Jan 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.

X Report 9 Oct 2025

X Report 9 Oct 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides with successful satellite launches and competitive maneuvering in the direct-to-device market, as AST SpaceMobile aligns with Verizon for space-based cellular services.

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

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.