Space Brief 31 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
SL-8 R/B (12682)
COSPAR: 1981-077B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 98-324 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 12, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12682
International Designator
1981-077B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:20:00 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.92°
Right Ascension
64.44°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
76.19°
Period
104.43 min
Mean Motion
13.79 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 98-324 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12682U 81077B 26185.05556435 .00000118 00000-0 10045-3 0 9990
2 12682 82.9154 64.4408 0035284 76.1943 284.3137 13.78901877257843
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
5.0849
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
S3M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
OAZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S3
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.
SaxaVord Spaceport
The UK's orbital ambitions rest on a remote Shetland island. How SaxaVord became Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport - and why, despite being ready for years, it's still waiting for a rocket that works.
Space Brief 9 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.
X Report 31 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the ongoing Crew-11 mission launch and Starship preparations for its upcoming test flight.
NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA officially ended the MAVEN Mars orbiter mission after months of radio silence following an anomaly. Space Force assessing Eastern Range damage from separate incident affecting launch cadence.
The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.