Space Brief 7 Nov 2025
Today's brief highlights a landmark cooperation between NASA and China to prevent satellite collision, strategic steps in American space leadership through nuclear energy, a U.S. military missile test, and more.
SL-12 R/B(1) (12122)
COSPAR: 1980-104B | Alt Name: Proton-K 304-01 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 26, 1980
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/40
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12122
International Designator
1980-104B
Decay Date
12/28/1980
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Proton-K 304-01 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
6.5
Diameter
4.2
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
4185
Launch Mass
4185
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8S812
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ZIKH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
8S812
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.
The Day America Reached Orbit
Sixty-three years ago, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, piloting Friendship 7 through three historic orbits that transformed the Space Race
X Report 30 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for major Starlink launch, while Starship developments continue to shape commercial spacefrontiers.
STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster
Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.
The Day America Sent Two Secrets to the Sky
Sixty-five years ago, America launched two very different space missions within hours of each other - one broadcast live to a fascinated nation, the other quietly reaching orbit from a fog-shrouded California launchpad while no one was watching
Space Brief 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
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.
Space Brief 4 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.