SL-4 R/B (18012)

COSPAR: 1987-046B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 48-929 Blok-I
DECAYED

Image
SL-4 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 26, 1987

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC16/2

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18012

International Designator

1987-046B

Decay Date

5/30/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-4 R/B

Alternative Name

Soyuz-U 48-929 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

Unknown

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.

SpaceX Plans Seven Rocket Launches From Six Global Sites This Week | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Plans Seven Rocket Launches From Six Global Sites This Week | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets seven rocket launches from six global sites this week including two Falcon 9 missions from California. 29 Starlink satellites successfully deployed from Cape Canaveral on January 18.

Space Brief 8 Sep 2025

Space Brief 8 Sep 2025

Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.

Space Brief 20 Aug 2025

Space Brief 20 Aug 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.

X Report 23 May 2025

X Report 23 May 2025

The FAA has approved Starship Flight 9, paving the way for an upcoming test launch, while SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS after weather delays.

Space Brief 3 Oct 2025

Space Brief 3 Oct 2025

Today's Space Brief delves into military satellite advancements and significant contract awards for space platforms, alongside pivotal European missile warning systems.

X Report 10 Sep 2025

X Report 10 Sep 2025

SpaceX makes strides with United States national security satellites, securing substantial spectrum for Starlink's direct-to-cell services, and preparing for future Starship developments.

X Report 27 Nov 2025

X Report 27 Nov 2025

SpaceX's plans for the Transporter-15 mission are temporarily delayed as the Falcon 9 launch was scrubbed. The next launch attempt is now targeted for Friday, Nov. 28, with hopes of delivering 140 payloads into sun-synchronous orbit.