X Report 21 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into polar orbit, enhancing global coverage. Meanwhile, NASA's Crew-11 is now in quarantine ahead of their upcoming ISS mission.
SL-4 R/B (15960)
COSPAR: 1985-072B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 46-824 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 16, 1985
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15960
International Designator
1985-072B
Decay Date
8/22/1985
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U 46-824 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
51.74
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.
Space Brief 15 Dec 2024
Anticipated NISAR launch now scheduled for March 2025; Rivada persists in broadband constellation quest despite setbacks; SpaceX scrubbed RRT-1 launch holds mystery.
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.
DROID.002 - Turion Space's Eyes on the Orbital Junkyard
A 90-kilogram spacecraft with iodine thrusters and two Australian-built cameras is quietly building the case that tracking space debris is a business worth billions - and that a four-year-old startup from Irvine can own it.
China's 75 Unusual GEO Maneuvers Flagged by CSIS | KeepTrack Space Brief
CSIS analysis identifies 75 unusual orbital maneuvers by Chinese GEO satellites over 10 years, consistent with military reconnaissance. Track GEO objects via KeepTrack.
X Report 27 Jul 2025
SpaceX's rapid advancements continued this weekend with two consecutive Starlink missions and preparations for the upcoming Crew-11 launch, showcasing its efficiency and commitment to expanding satellite broadband coverage.
SpaceX Acquires xAI, Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Blackouts | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX acquires xAI to develop orbital data centers. Starlink terminals bypass Iran's government internet blackouts. Blue Origin escalates defense procurement criticism.
Space Brief 23 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights a significant increase in the Pentagon's AI budget, upgrades at the Tiangong space station, cyber threats to satellite operations, and the Moon and Venus conjunction.