Space Brief 2 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.
SL-12 R/B(2) (18387)
COSPAR: 1987-084D | Alt Name: Blok DM-2 No. 14L
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 1, 1987
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18387
International Designator
1987-084D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:15:30 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
10.93°
Right Ascension
326.59°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
251.85°
Period
1439.51 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok DM-2 No. 14L
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 18387U 87084D 26184.88577122 -.00000270 00000-0 00000-0 0 9995
2 18387 10.9287 326.5857 0029172 251.8547 123.4183 1.00034280148941
Source: Celestrak
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
6.3
Diameter
3.7
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
2440
Launch Mass
17490
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
2.1055
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S861 No. 14L
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Valued at $1.25T as IPO Signals Intensify | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits a $1.25 trillion valuation as IPO speculation mounts, Starlink 17-17 lifts off from Vandenberg, and a quantum sensor rides to orbit.
Who Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
Uncover the top companies dominating the satellite industry. From SpaceX to One Web, learn who's leading in space assets. Full list inside.
Space Brief 30 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab joining the US Space Force's national security launch program, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, China's successful EVA, and intriguing science aboard SpaceX's Fram2 mission.
Hayabusa | The Crippled Falcon That Carried an Asteroid Home
Sixteen years ago today, a fireball tore across the Australian outback. Most of it was a dying Japanese spacecraft burning up after a seven-year ordeal. The bright dot racing ahead of the wreckage was a capsule holding the first grains of an asteroid ever returned to Earth.
Sandhoo Takes Dual SDA Director, Missile Warning Role | KeepTrack Space Brief
Brig. Gen. Gursharan Sandhoo double-hatted as SDA director and Space Force missile warning PAE head as Pentagon consolidates LEO satellite programs under new acquisition structure.
The Day America Entered the Space Age
Sixty-seven years ago, a slender rocket carried America's first satellite into orbit, discovering a mysterious feature of our planet that would change our understanding of space forever
SpaceX Blocks Unauthorized Russian Starlink Terminals | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX disables Starlink terminals used by Russian troops after Ukrainian coordination. Crew-12 delayed to Feb 13 by weather. 24 Starlink satellites launched from Vandenberg.