The Day Space Became Crowded
Eight years ago, a single Indian rocket launched 104 satellites into orbit, marking a pivotal moment when space tracking professionals realized the dawn of a new, congested era in orbital operations
SL-12 R/B (18858)
COSPAR: 1988-009B | Alt Name: Proton-K 346-02 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 1988
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18858
International Designator
1988-009B
Decay Date
2/19/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B
Alternative Name
Proton-K 346-02 Stage 3
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
6.5
Diameter
4.2
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
4185
Launch Mass
4185
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8S812
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ZIKH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
8S812
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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