SL-4 R/B (12342)

COSPAR: 1981-026B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 23-468 Blok-I
DECAYED

Image
SL-4 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 17, 1981

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12342

International Designator

1981-026B

Decay Date

3/25/1981

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-4 R/B

Alternative Name

Soyuz-U 23-468 Blok-I

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

6.7

Diameter

2.7

Span

6.7

Dry Mass

2350

Launch Mass

2350

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

11S510

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

PROG

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Blok-I

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.

Space Brief 29 Dec 2025

Space Brief 29 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include Japan's new military satellite imagery initiative, NASA's SPHEREx map, and AST BlueBird 6's groundbreaking cellular array in low Earth orbit.

Space Brief 9 Dec 2024

Space Brief 9 Dec 2024

Highlights include China's rising threats in space, a new Starlink launch, NASA's optimistic future, and a cosmic conjunction featuring the Moon and Saturn.

X Report 15 Nov 2025

X Report 15 Nov 2025

SpaceX made headlines with back-to-back Falcon 9 launches from Florida, successfully deploying 29 additional Starlink satellites, further enhancing its extensive broadband network.

Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

Orion Crew Returns After Historic Lunar Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2's four-person crew splashed down April 10 after first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. Orion performance data critical for Artemis 3 south pole landing planning.

X Report 21 Nov 2025

X Report 21 Nov 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its 100th launch of the year, enhancing Starlink's coverage while preparing for an escalating Starship production cadence.

X Report 24 Jan 2025

X Report 24 Jan 2025

SpaceX hits a new milestone with 400 rocket landings, beta testing begins for Direct-to-Cell Starlink satellites, and more Starlink launches from California.

A Tribute to Albert Einstein

A Tribute to Albert Einstein

Ask anyone on the street who the smartest person ever was, and most will say Albert Einstein. Exactly 71 years ago today, this genius departed from the world. Today, we examine Einstein's innumerable contributions to astronomy and how he shaped space history for years to come.

X Report 16 Apr 2025

X Report 16 Apr 2025

SpaceX gears up for another busy week with a Falcon 9 launch to the ISS while Vast Space expands its Haven-1 payload roster.