SL-4 R/B (12838)

COSPAR: 1981-092B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 23-802 Blok-I
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

September 18, 1981

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/3

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12838

International Designator

1981-092B

Decay Date

9/21/1981

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-4 R/B

Alternative Name

Soyuz-U 23-802 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.

X Report 6 Apr 2025

X Report 6 Apr 2025

SpaceX's Fram2 mission lands in the Pacific, SpaceX secures U.S. military contracts, and Starlink expands with latest satellite launch.

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.

Space Brief 18 Dec 2025

Space Brief 18 Dec 2025

Today's updates cover Rocket Lab's launch for the U.S. Space Force, Digantara's major funding round, and discussions on national security in space.

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Key highlights on China's reusable rocket developments, U.S. military's Tranche 1 satellite launch, Space Force's weapons acquisition strategies, and more.

Space Brief 20 Apr 2025

Space Brief 20 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include advances in space tracking technology by the US Space Force, SpaceX's infrastructure expansion, and a spectacular birthday landing on Earth. Additionally, we spotlight a significant exoplanetary discovery and satellite updates.

Space Brief 3 Jun 2025

Space Brief 3 Jun 2025

Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.

Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.

X Report 26 Sep 2025

X Report 26 Sep 2025

SpaceX has been active, with successful launches of Starlink satellites and major developments at Cape Canaveral, signaling a competitive edge in satellite communication and launch capabilities.