SL-12 R/B(1) (17970)

COSPAR: 1987-040B | Alt Name: Proton-K 338-02 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
SL-12 R/B(1) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 11, 1987

Launch Pad

LC200/39

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K/DM

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

17970

International Designator

1987-040B

Decay Date

5/14/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-12 R/B(1)

Alternative Name

Proton-K 338-02 Stage 3

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

6.5

Diameter

4.2

Span

6.5

Dry Mass

4185

Launch Mass

4185

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

45.18

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

8S812

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

ZIKH

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

8S812

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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