SL-8 R/B (17304)

COSPAR: 1987-006B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 72-361 Stage 2

Image
SL-8 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 21, 1987

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/2

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

17304

International Designator

1987-006B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:57:35 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

74.06°

Right Ascension

133.24°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

226.10°

Period

100.06 min

Mean Motion

14.39 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-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 72-361 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RVSN

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 17304U 87006B   26185.24833165  .00000196  00000-0  71380-4 0  9999
2 17304  74.0571 133.2432 0029951 226.0998 133.7684 14.39200454 68010

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

4.2

Diameter

2.4

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

1434

Launch Mass

1434

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

4.383

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

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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