Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
SL-14 R/B (16496)
COSPAR: 1986-006B | Alt Name: Tsiklon-3 32-308 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 17, 1986
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC32/1
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16496
International Designator
1986-006B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:41:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
82.53°
Right Ascension
150.85°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
248.61°
Period
96.84 min
Mean Motion
14.87 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-14 R/B
Alternative Name
Tsiklon-3 32-308 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 16496U 86006B 26184.40380874 .00000554 00000-0 56157-4 0 9993
2 16496 82.5273 150.8526 0074781 248.6111 110.7116 14.86960595166409
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
2.8
Diameter
2.2
Span
2.8
Dry Mass
1600
Launch Mass
1600
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
4.0562
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
S5M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S5M
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
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