SL-8 R/B (12443)

COSPAR: 1981-041B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 98-321 Stage 2

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 7, 1981

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12443

International Designator

1981-041B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:18:19 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

74.05°

Right Ascension

237.91°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

249.09°

Period

100.27 min

Mean Motion

14.36 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 98-321 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RVSN

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 12443U 81041B   26185.09605674  .00000226  00000-0  86544-4 0  9998

2 12443  74.0526 237.9144 0005279 249.0891 110.9697 14.36082944361673

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

4.3464

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OAZ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

SpaceX Files Plans for Million-Satellite Orbital Data Center | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX files FCC plans for a million-satellite orbital data center constellation. Crew-12 launch timing depends on Artemis 2 mission. Cold weather delays launch window.

X Report 30 Jan 2025

SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches SpainSat NG-1 satellite as Starlink compatibility causes market ripples.

X Report 12 Jul 2025

SpaceX prepares for the Crew-11 astronaut mission launch, while Starlink continues to expand its satellite network in orbit.

Tesla-SpaceX 2027 Merger Predicted by Wall Street | KeepTrack X Report

Wall Street analyst Dan Ives predicts a Tesla-SpaceX merger by 2027, while a quantum magnetometer launches March 30 on Falcon 9 rideshare.

Crew-11 Completes First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, SpaceX Sets Pad Record | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 astronauts splashdown off California in first-ever ISS medical evacuation. SpaceX sets pad turnaround record at Cape Canaveral with Starlink 6-98 deploying 29 satellites.

Space Brief 2 Apr 2025

DARPA's accidental SpaceX detection highlights Earth as a natural sensor, while SpaceX's Fram2 launches into a polar orbit. Helsinki's defense budget rise hints at increased military satellite activity.

X Report 17 Sep 2025

Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.

Space Brief 27 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual Starlink launches, NASA's progress on the Dragonfly mission to Titan, and delays in Starlink's Indian market entry.