Space Brief 21 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, fascinating exoplanet discoveries, and strategic lunar developments by China and South Korea.
SL-8 R/B (12115)
COSPAR: 1980-102J | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 98-318 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 23, 1980
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12115
International Designator
1980-102J
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:40:47 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
73.99°
Right Ascension
153.52°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
281.46°
Period
114.99 min
Mean Motion
12.52 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 98-318 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12115U 80102J 26185.19499271 -.00000099 00000-0 -52886-3 0 9997
2 12115 73.9884 153.5227 0020511 281.4614 89.6443 12.52314291 81408
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
5.9562
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.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2024
A Falcon 9 booster fails to land, increasing GPS and PNT significance for national security, and NASA's SLS mobile launch platform costs soar.
Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX accelerates Block 3 Starship pad work at Starbase as Russia preps Soyuz-5 debut alongside Falcon 9 internet satellite launches.
SpaceX to Launch GPS Satellite After Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX set to launch GPS 3-9 for Space Force after strategic switch from ULA's Vulcan to Falcon 9. 25 Starlink satellites deployed to polar orbit. Musk explains SpaceX exponential growth trajectory.
Esrange Spaceport
Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.
China Caps Record Year With 92 Orbital Launches, New Reusable Rocket Planned | KeepTrack Space Brief
China hits record 92 orbital launches in 2025. Vandenberg opens new launch site for providers. Former ULA CEO Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects.
Falcon 9 Returns to Flight, Crew-12 Targets Feb 11 Launch | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 returns to flight with Starlink 17-33 mission after brief stand-down. Crew-12 astronaut launch confirmed for Feb 11. SpaceX shifts Dragon launches away from pad 39A.