Space Brief 8 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR) (12634)
COSPAR: 1981-069E | Alt Name: DM-22L SOZ-1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 30, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12634
International Designator
1981-069E
Decay Date
4/15/1982
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR)
Alternative Name
DM-22L SOZ-1
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
1.1
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.1
Dry Mass
60
Launch Mass
120
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.31
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SOZ
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NPOE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SOZ
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.
Musk Denies SpaceX AI Phone Report; EchoStar Bankruptcy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits 77 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 as EchoStar subsidiaries file Chapter 11 and Musk disputes WSJ AI phone claims.
SpaceX Launches NROL-105 Spy Satellite in First 2026 National Security Mission | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches NROL-105 spy satellite from Vandenberg — first national security mission of 2026. Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston after historic first-ever ISS medical evacuation.
X Report 21 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves a historic rocket reuse milestone and successfully launches NRO satellites, alongside charming interactions during Crew-9 Dragon recovery.
Space Brief 21 Jun 2025
Today's brief highlights a Pentagon satellite network challenge, the expanding use of AI in military strategy, and advancements in commercial launch vehicle production.
Your Phone Already Talks to Space
SpaceX quietly built the world's largest 4G network without a single cell tower. Over 650 satellites now connect standard smartphones directly from orbit, and most people carrying compatible phones don't know the service exists.
Vietnam Licenses Starlink for 600K Terminals, Isaacman Plans Roscosmos Visit | KeepTrack Space Brief
Vietnam approves Starlink with up to 600,000 terminals and 4 gateway stations. SpaceX hits 600th Falcon 9 launch. NASA's Isaacman plans Roscosmos meeting and Soyuz visit.
X Report 25 Sep 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with multiple launches, including 28 Starlink satellites and NASA's IMAP mission, highlighting its ongoing role in advancing space weather research.