X Report 6 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for a new cargo-return mission with Atmos, deploys imaging satellites, and gears up for Axiom-4 private astronaut launch.
SL-8 R/B (12298)
COSPAR: 1981-013B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 98-320 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 12, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12298
International Designator
1981-013B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:02:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.95°
Right Ascension
36.46°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
8.71°
Period
104.58 min
Mean Motion
13.77 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 98-320 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12298U 81013B 26185.04358604 .00000079 00000-0 64804-4 0 9999
2 12298 82.9480 36.4555 0029844 8.7132 153.9833 13.76941851279578
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
4.318
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.
X Report 18 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple satellites, prepares for Starship Flight 6, and exciting collaborations with AST SpaceMobile.
X Report 14 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched a batch of Starlink satellites today while introducing new features to enhance user experience. Their rideshare program continues to see increased demand, proving popular among customers.
X Report 3 Dec 2025
SpaceX completes multiple successful launches, enhancing its Starlink constellation with new satellites while resolving personnel issues related to Crew 12.
Blue Origin Targets New Glenn Return Before Year-End After Pad Explosion | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin aiming for 2nd New Glenn launch by end of 2026 after LC-36 pad explosion at Cape Canaveral. Repair timeline still unclear; mission critical for national security payloads.
X Report 3 Nov 2025
SpaceX completed a successful Bandwagon rideshare mission, launching a private space station pathfinder along with multiple satellites, marking another significant milestone in 2025's launch schedule.
X Report 5 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Maxar's high-resolution imaging satellites, Ontario reconsiders its Starlink contract, and the countdown to NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission begins.
X Report 3 Jun 2025
SpaceX gears up for an exciting week with multiple launches, including a crewed mission and the rescheduled Starlink delivery. Meanwhile, ULA faces criticism from the Space Force over delays in its Vulcan rocket program.