Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers the deployment of a new optical sensor for the Space Force, SpaceX's recent Starlink satellite launch, and significant investment in space cargo vehicles.
SL-8 R/B (11751)
COSPAR: 1980-026B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 98-315 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 3, 1980
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11751
International Designator
1980-026B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:04:24 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
65.84°
Right Ascension
230.48°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
294.99°
Period
104.55 min
Mean Motion
13.77 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 98-315 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 11751U 80026B 26185.08639823 -.00000077 00000-0 46631-5 0 9992
2 11751 65.8379 230.4795 0019130 294.9898 83.4760 13.77357134324578
Source: Celestrak
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
4.7374
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
X Report 17 Apr 2025
Starbase expansion progresses and Germany eyes its own satellite constellation.
X Report 20 Nov 2024
SpaceX conducts another Starship test flight, with high-profile audience; SEOPS secures Falcon 9 for rideshare mission; Ontario partners with Starlink for rural connectivity.
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 25 Aug 2025
SpaceX faced delays in launching its 10th Starship test flight while successfully deploying a Cargo Dragon to resupply the ISS, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration with NASA.
X Report 18 Jul 2025
Elon Musk provided updates on the anticipated Starship Flight 10, along with insights on SpaceX's progress at Cape Canaveral. Key developments include target timelines for upcoming launches and ongoing efforts in Starship's development.
X Report 12 Dec 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with record-breaking launch operations, while plans for an IPO signal major changes in the company's trajectory and could inspire industry-wide movements.