Space Brief 16 May 2025
Today's brief covers challenges in Space Force procurement, promising developments in tracking technologies, and significant budget cuts affecting military aerospace projects.
SL-4 R/B (18018)
COSPAR: 1987-047B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 15-364 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 28, 1987
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18018
International Designator
1987-047B
Decay Date
6/12/1987
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U 15-364 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
62.07
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.
NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched NROL-179 from Vandenberg at 1:50 a.m. PDT June 19, carrying Starshield spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Space Brief 9 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.
Space Brief 24 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers South Korea's fourth spy satellite launch, potential changes in drone deployment strategies by the US Air Force, and the largest-ever spectrum-sharing demonstration set by the Pentagon.
X Report 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
X Report 3 Nov 2025
SpaceX completed a successful Bandwagon rideshare mission, launching a private space station pathfinder along with multiple satellites, marking another significant milestone in 2025's launch schedule.
EUTELSAT 172B
Europe's first high-power all-electric telecom satellite doesn't just sit above the Pacific - it got there on robotic arms and plasma thrusters, broke records doing it, and now keeps your airplane Wi-Fi running between LA and Tokyo.
Space Brief 7 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers significant developments in missile defense, military space operations, and upcoming rocket launches. Keep an eye on the evolving Golden Dome program and the advanced capabilities it brings.