X Report 25 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves new milestones with back-to-back launches for the NRO while preparing for groundbreaking crewed polar mission FRAM2.
SL-6 R/B(2) (12680)
COSPAR: 1981-071D | Alt Name: Blok-L
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 4, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12680
International Designator
1981-071D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:29:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
66.35°
Right Ascension
52.52°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
14.81°
Period
722.73 min
Mean Motion
1.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-L
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12680U 81071D 26184.47888726 -.00000749 00000-0 00000-0 0 9996
2 12680 66.3528 52.5229 6713965 14.8071 358.0476 1.99244967245074
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
2.7
Diameter
2.5
Span
2.7
Dry Mass
900
Launch Mass
5000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.789
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok-L
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NPOE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-L
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 7 Oct 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites on October 7, further expanding its broadband constellation while hosting an active launch schedule this week.
Space Brief 29 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights emerging technologies in space, a contract for U.S. Space Force missions, developments in military operations, and updates on drone advancements.
AI Outperforms Human Planners in Air Force Battle Management Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
AI tools outperform human planners in Air Force battle management experiment. DARPA pursues quantum computing interoperability. Canada's Atlantic Spaceport Complex gets environmental approval.
Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus for ViaSat-3 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy lifts off for the 12th time after 18 months grounded, delivering the final ViaSat-3 satellite from LC-39A at 10:21 a.m. EDT.
Besxar Semiconductor Pods Launch on Starlink 10-50 | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX Falcon 9 launches Starlink 10-50 with two Besxar semiconductor manufacturing test pods. In-space fabrication experiment explores cost reduction for commercial payloads.
Space Brief 1 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.