SL-8 R/B (12017)

COSPAR: 1980-083B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 72-401 Stage 2
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

October 14, 1980

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12017

International Designator

1980-083B

Decay Date

8/27/1982

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 72-401 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

20.43

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.

X Report 24 May 2025

X Report 24 May 2025

SpaceX experiences a setback with Starship Flight 8 while continuing its Starlink deployment efforts with a successful launch from California.

Space Brief 5 Feb 2025

Space Brief 5 Feb 2025

Today's briefing covers strategic military developments including missile defense proposals and board realignments, intertwined with rising space defense exports and autonomous launcher progress.

SpaceX Preps Starlink 6-96 Launch, Starship TPS Testing Continues at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Preps Starlink 6-96 Launch, Starship TPS Testing Continues at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starlink 6-96 launch of 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral. Thermal Protection System evaluations underway at Starbase for next Starship prototypes. SpaceX IPO expected to reshape market.

Space Brief 9 Mar 2025

Space Brief 9 Mar 2025

Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.

Space Brief 6 Nov 2024

Space Brief 6 Nov 2024

Discover the latest in satellite technology with the launch of the world's first wooden satellite, new test materials for the ISS, and significant developments in orbital space debris.

X Report 8 Dec 2025

X Report 8 Dec 2025

SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.

Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report

Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report

A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.

When Will SpaceX Go Public?

When Will SpaceX Go Public?

As SpaceX continues to make groundbreaking advancements in the space industry, investors are eagerly anticipating the company's potential IPO. Learn about the factors influencing SpaceX's decision to go public and the estimated timeline for this highly anticipated event.