M-3S R/B (11707)

COSPAR: 1980-015B | Alt Name: M-3S-1 Stage 3

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 17, 1980

Launch Site

KSCUT

Launch Pad

Launch Vehicle

Mu-3S

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

11707

International Designator

1980-015B

Decay Date

1/20/1984

Basic Satellite Info

Name

M-3S R/B

Alternative Name

M-3S-1 Stage 3

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

ISAS

Country

Japan

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

2.5

Diameter

1.1

Span

2.5

Dry Mass

130

Launch Mass

130

Shape

Sphere + Cone

Radar Cross Section

2.053

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

M-3A

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

NISS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

M-3A

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 Day Superpowers Shared Space

Exactly 52 years ago today, the Soviet Union launched Soyuz 13 - a scientific mission that marked the first time American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts orbited Earth simultaneously. Armed with a revolutionary ultraviolet telescope, Pyotr Klimuk and Valentin Lebedev would discover elements never before seen in distant nebulae.

Space Brief 28 Dec 2025

Exploring the future of space with concerns on space debris, rapid growth in orbital data centers, and new developments at launch sites.

X Report 28 Feb 2025

SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.

Cygnus NG-24 Carries 11,000 lbs to ISS | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon 9 lofts 11,000 lbs aboard Cygnus NG-24 to the ISS as Amazon pushes Leo's commercial debut to mid-2026.

LeoLabs Launches Delta Military SSA Platform | KeepTrack Space Brief

LeoLabs debuts Delta, a space monitoring tool designed for military operators to detect adversarial orbital activity beyond standard conjunction warnings.

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.

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.

SpaceX Launches AST SpaceMobile Block 2 BlueBird Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX launched three Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile from Cape Canaveral. Block 2 variants are larger with enhanced capacity compared to Block 1 units already in orbit.