Space Brief 15 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, a successful Rocket Lab mission for JAXA, and a scheduled launch update from Kennedy Space Center.
SL-8 R/B (12983)
COSPAR: 1981-116J | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 93-121 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 28, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12983
International Designator
1981-116J
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:17:12 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
73.98°
Right Ascension
167.11°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
26.22°
Period
117.57 min
Mean Motion
12.25 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 93-121 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12983U 81116J 26185.22027950 -.00000109 00000-0 -83602-3 0 9993
2 12983 73.9819 167.1121 0114392 26.2151 345.5492 12.24803615728526
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
5.7903
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.
ESA-China SMILE Mission Reaches Orbit After 10-Year Push | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA-China SMILE spacecraft successfully launched from Kourou to image Earth's magnetosphere. First continuous global views of solar wind interaction now in orbit.
Falcon 9 Completes GPS III Constellation for Space Force | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 delivered GPS III SV-10 at 0653 UTC, capping Lockheed Martin's 10-satellite series as SpaceX eyes a $60B AI coding acquisition pre-IPO.
X Report 8 Mar 2025
SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 8 amid debris fallout, achieves regulatory win for smartphone connectivity, and prepares for upcoming ISS missions.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.
Blue Origin Targets New Glenn Return Before Year-End After Pad Explosion | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin aiming for 2nd New Glenn launch by end of 2026 after LC-36 pad explosion at Cape Canaveral. Repair timeline still unclear; mission critical for national security payloads.
X Report 18 Apr 2025
Cape Canaveral launch site activities intensify; SpaceX explores new subscription model for Trump's Golden Dome.
X Report 27 Mar 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 27 Starlink satellites and gains approval for internet services in Vietnam.