The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey
Fifty-nine years ago, a revolutionary new rocket thundered skyward from Cape Kennedy, testing the spacecraft that would eventually carry astronauts to the lunar surface
SL-3 R/B (12072)
COSPAR: 1980-093B | Alt Name: Vostok-2M (N75) Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 21, 1980
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Vostok 8A92M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12072
International Designator
1980-093B
Decay Date
4/18/2015
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-3 R/B
Alternative Name
Vostok-2M (N75) Stage 3
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
3.8
Diameter
2.6
Span
3.8
Dry Mass
1440
Launch Mass
1440
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.3846
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8A92ME
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-E
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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