SL-8 R/B (17360)

COSPAR: 1987-009B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 96-172 Stage 2

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 29, 1987

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/2

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

17360

International Designator

1987-009B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:27:04 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

82.92°

Right Ascension

324.73°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

313.37°

Period

104.57 min

Mean Motion

13.77 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 96-172 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RVSN

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 17360U 87009B   26185.14379630  .00000110  00000-0  96263-4 0  9998

2 17360  82.9207 324.7346 0031224 313.3737 219.5849 13.77063462980638

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

4.289

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OAZ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

GAO Flags Risks in SDA Missile-Tracking Satellites, Lawmakers Push GPS Anti-Jam | KeepTrack Space Brief

GAO warns SDA missile-tracking satellite program overestimates tech readiness. SPACECOM pushes expanded on-orbit warfighting exercises. Congress advocates for enhanced GPS anti-jam capabilities.

Space Brief 27 Jan 2025

Highlights include US military astronaut rescue drills, China's commercial involvement in lunar missions, ESA's budget proposals, global opposition to space advertising, and NASA lunar landers.

Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)

Understanding the unique orbital sweet spot that keeps satellites perfectly positioned above Earth

NASA Ends MAVEN After 6-Month Contact Loss; Falcon 9 Sets 35th Reuse Record | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA concludes MAVEN mission after six months attempting to restore contact with Mars probe. Meanwhile, Falcon 9 booster flies record 35th flight on Starlink 10-35 mission.

X Report 3 Jan 2025

SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.

X Report 8 Jan 2025

SpaceX gears up for distinctive Starship tests and milestone Starlink deployments as the new year takes off.

Space Brief 13 Dec 2025

Today's briefing covers a new naming system by Space Force, China's space advances, drone defense at Cape Canaveral, and more military updates impacting space operations.

Space Brief 24 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.