SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Makes Debut Flight | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's secretive Starfall reentry demo launched June 23 as Starmind AI constellation targets 1M orbital compute nodes.
M-3S R/B (12308)
COSPAR: 1981-017B | Alt Name: M-3S-2 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 21, 1981
Launch Site
KSCUT
Launch Pad
M
Launch Vehicle
Mu-3S
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12308
International Designator
1981-017B
Decay Date
5/26/1991
Basic Satellite Info
Name
M-3S R/B
Alternative Name
M-3S-2 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
ISAS
Country
Japan
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
2.3
Diameter
1.1
Span
2.3
Dry Mass
142
Launch Mass
142
Shape
Sphere + Cone
Radar Cross Section
1.6137
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
M-3A
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NISS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
M-3A
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.
China Files Plans for 200,000-Satellite Megaconstellation With ITU | KeepTrack Space Brief
China files ITU paperwork for megaconstellations totaling nearly 200,000 satellites. SpaceX launches first rideshare mission of 2026 from Vandenberg. NASA plans ISS crew medical evacuation.
Space Brief 2 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers key topics such as SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, the European Space Agency's new initiatives, and Space Force's integration of AI into its operations.
Space Brief 27 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include the certification of ULA's Vulcan rocket for national security missions, developments in nuclear timekeeping for GPS systems, and updates on the Space Force's new warfighting framework.
Space Brief 1 Jun 2025
Today's highlights cover critical satellite launches including SpaceX's GPS III mission, advancements in SATCOM technology, and changes in NASA leadership.
Starcloud Files 88,000-Satellite Constellation Plan | KeepTrack Space Brief
Starcloud files FCC plans for 88,000-satellite orbital data center constellation, matching scale of Starlink and Amazon Kuiper expansions. Massive LEO conjunction risk implications.
Space Brief 3 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers the integration of commercial and military space capabilities, a notable change in Crew 12 mission, advancements in digital training for space operations, and more.
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.