SL-4 R/B (18714)

COSPAR: 1987-108B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U No. 547 Blok-I
DECAYED

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

Launch Date

December 26, 1987

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC16/2

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18714

International Designator

1987-108B

Decay Date

12/29/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-4 R/B

Alternative Name

Soyuz-U No. 547 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

39.78

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.

STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus

STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus

On May 4, 1989, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from LC-39B carrying Magellan, NASA's first interplanetary mission since 1978. The eleven-year drought ended in a payload bay, and the radar that emerged would map ninety-eight percent of Venus through clouds that no camera could ever see through.

Space Brief 5 Nov 2025

Space Brief 5 Nov 2025

Today's focus: Sidus Space's new AI edge computer, Space Force's dynamic operations initiative, and key Pentagon acquisition reforms.

X Report 20 Apr 2025

X Report 20 Apr 2025

SpaceX is preparing for significant infrastructure expansion in Texas and Florida to support Starship, launches its third NRO mission in a week, and faces regulatory scrutiny from the Bahamas.

Crew-11 Emergency Evacuation Raises Space Rescue Alarm | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 Emergency Evacuation Raises Space Rescue Alarm | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Crew-11 made an emergency return from the ISS on Jan. 15 after a medical crisis, spotlighting gaps in space rescue infrastructure.

X Report 12 Feb 2025

X Report 12 Feb 2025

SpaceX swaps Crew Dragon capsules with NASA to accelerate Crew-10 launch, and successfully launches multiple Starlink satellites into orbit.

X Report 29 Mar 2025

X Report 29 Mar 2025

Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.

X Report 16 Jan 2025

X Report 16 Jan 2025

SpaceX launches dual lunar landers while Starship Flight 7 faces weather delay.

Starlink Restrictions Disrupt Russian Battlefield Communications | KeepTrack Space Brief

Starlink Restrictions Disrupt Russian Battlefield Communications | KeepTrack Space Brief

Starlink restrictions reportedly hit Moscow's drone coordination and frontline comms. SpaceX and xAI enter Pentagon's $100M drone contest. Sentinel ICBM to clear key review this year.