Space Brief 24 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's secretive military launch, advancements in nuclear fusion, and groundbreaking observations of dying stars and supernovae.
SL-4 R/B (11828)
COSPAR: 1980-046B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 55-928 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 6, 1980
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11828
International Designator
1980-046B
Decay Date
6/11/1980
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U 55-928 Blok-I
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
6.7
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.7
Dry Mass
2350
Launch Mass
2350
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S510
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
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.
Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
Space Brief 2 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers India's military communications satellite launch, SpaceX's Starlink mission milestone, Latvia's agreement to the Artemis Accords, and more significant updates in space technology and satellite launches.
Space Brief 21 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the Space Force's strategic roadmap, a groundbreaking DARPA mission in Very Low Earth Orbit, and enhanced cyber defenses due to AI-driven threats.
GOES-19, the Last Weather Sentinel
The final satellite in a multi-billion-dollar program that learned its hardest lesson from a clogged pipe. GOES-19 is now NOAA's eyes on every Atlantic hurricane - and it's already found dozens of comets no one was looking for.
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.
SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.
Vulcan Grounded as GEM 63XL Booster Passes Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan remains grounded after February in-flight GEM 63XL booster anomaly. Northrop Grumman completed successful static fire test, but investigation ongoing with no return-to-flight date.