Space Brief 28 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.
SL-4 R/B (16875)
COSPAR: 1986-054B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 11-337 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 1986
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16875
International Designator
1986-054B
Decay Date
8/8/1986
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U 11-337 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
44.19
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 Nov 2025
SpaceX made headlines with back-to-back Falcon 9 launches from Florida, successfully deploying 29 additional Starlink satellites, further enhancing its extensive broadband network.
Space Brief 28 Oct 2024
Explore China's ambitions to expand its Tiangong space station, NASA's next steps for the Europa Clipper mission, and ESA's efforts to support the European space industry. Discover the latest in satellite tracking and consider the fascinating findings on potential life on Mars.
User-Inspired Update
A user suggestion led to the addition of new visualizations for satellites, debris, and unidentified objects across different orbits in KeepTrack.
Track the International Space Station
A look at how tracking the space station offers a unique view of space exploration.
Starship V3 Debuts on Flight 12 May 20 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's first Starship V3 launches May 20 on Flight 12, as Starlink's 10,354 active sats force a historic carrier alliance.
Falcon 9 Shatters Reuse Record With 33rd Flight on Double Launch Day | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches two Falcon 9 rockets in one day carrying Starlink satellites from both coasts. Most-flown booster achieves record 33rd flight. 28 V2 Mini Optimized sats deployed.
X Report 3 Apr 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX's Fram2 mission and the pivotal role of biotech in space exploration.