The Rise of Super Heavy-Lift Rockets
Super heavy-lift rockets are the most powerful launch vehicles ever built. They can send humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But what are they, and why are they so important?
Launch Date
January 16, 1986
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
NORAD ID
16494
International Designator
1986-005B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:56:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
82.93°
Right Ascension
134.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
2.75°
Period
104.59 min
Mean Motion
13.77 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 44-152 Stage 2
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 16494U 86005B 26185.12243403 .00000124 00000-0 11021-3 0 9999
2 16494 82.9325 133.9952 0019675 2.7486 8.5351 13.76798003 32227
Source: Celestrak
Length
4.2
Diameter
2.4
Span
4.2
Dry Mass
1434
Launch Mass
1434
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
4.1175
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
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
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Super heavy-lift rockets are the most powerful launch vehicles ever built. They can send humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But what are they, and why are they so important?
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