Space Brief 8 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.
SL-16 R/B (18319)
COSPAR: 1987-071B | Alt Name: Zenit-2 No. 10L Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 28, 1987
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC45/1
Launch Vehicle
Zenit-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18319
International Designator
1987-071B
Decay Date
9/2/1987
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-16 R/B
Alternative Name
Zenit-2 No. 10L Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
UNKS
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
11.1
Diameter
3.9
Span
11.1
Dry Mass
9000
Launch Mass
9000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
37.81
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S772
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
11S772
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.
Blue Origin Rebuilds New Glenn Launch Pad, Space Brief 19 Jun 2026
Blue Origin launch pad rebuild begins at Cape Canaveral after the New Glenn explosion, targeting return to flight by end of 2026. SpaceX flies NROL-179.
Space Brief 28 Oct 2024
Explore China's ambitions to expand its Tiangong space station, NASA's next steps for the Europa Clipper mission, and ESA's efforts to support the European space industry. Discover the latest in satellite tracking and consider the fascinating findings on potential life on Mars.
Space Brief 14 Jun 2025
Today's space news roundup highlights a significant defense bill passed for the Space Force, a delay in the Axiom-4 mission due to ISS issues, and major satellite deals with NATO.
Space Brief 14 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Firefly's acquisition, military tracking from the moon, France's boost in military space funding, and more.
Atlas 5 551 Flies Last Mission for Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA launched Atlas 5 551 configuration for final time on July 1, deploying Amazon Kuiper broadband satellites. New Glenn pad rebuild underway at LC-36 after May explosion.
X Report 30 Aug 2025
SpaceX impresses with the successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites and shares stunning visuals from the recent Starship Flight 10, which demonstrated remarkable landing precision.
DAF Space Restructure Announced Within Days, PAE Leaders Named | KeepTrack Space Brief
Department of Air Force announces finalized Program Acquisition Executive structure within days, reshaping oversight of GPS, SBIRS, and Protected Tactical Satcom systems.