X Report 21 Oct 2025
NASA considers opening the Artemis 3 lander to new bids as delays surface, while SpaceX gears up for multiple Falcon 9 launches this week and secures a redevelopment nod for SLC-6.
Launch Date
January 30, 1987
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/40
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
NORAD ID
17368
International Designator
1987-010D
Decay Date
2/13/1987
Name
SL-12 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok DM-2 No. 17L
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
6.3
Diameter
3.7
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
2440
Launch Mass
17490
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
17.69
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
11S861 No. 17L
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NPOE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok DM
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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