Space Brief 25 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers pivotal updates in military space capabilities, defense acquisitions, the UK's nuclear enhancements, and Boeing's financial challenges.
SL-4 R/B (13547)
COSPAR: 1982-091B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 49-955 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 15, 1982
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
13547
International Designator
1982-091B
Decay Date
9/19/1982
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U 49-955 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 15 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, while Starship prepares for its ninth test flight next week.
X Report 14 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new reuse record with Falcon 9's 27th flight, continuing its Starlink deployment while facing challenges with Starship development.
Shimizu's Luna Ring - The Plan to Wrap the Moon in Solar Panels
A 220-year-old Japanese construction company wants to build an 11,000-kilometer belt of solar cells around the lunar equator and beam the power back to Earth. The physics checks out. Everything else is another story.
X Report 7 Sep 2025
SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites, pushing its 2025 total beyond 2,000, while facing community pushback in Florida for its Starship operations.
X Report 16 Jun 2025
SpaceX progresses with plans for Starship launches from a ULA site while continuing its Starlink expansion. New satellite tracking update enhances user engagement.
X Report 25 May 2025
SpaceX addresses the cause of its recent Starship Flight 8 explosion, while successfully launching 23 more Starlink satellites as it continues to expand its constellation.
SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches Starlink while debuting on Nasdaq at $1.77 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, Senate FY2027 NDAA would dissolve SDA into Space Force, affecting Tranche constellation tracking.