SL-6 R/B(2) (18983)

COSPAR: 1988-022D | Alt Name: Blok-ML

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 17, 1988

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/4

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18983

International Designator

1988-022D

Decay Date

1/23/2002

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-6 R/B(2)

Alternative Name

Blok-ML

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

3.3

Diameter

2.3

Span

3.3

Dry Mass

900

Launch Mass

4500

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

7.503

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Blok-ML No. 176

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

NPOE

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Blok-L

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.

Who Owns SpaceX in 2026? Ownership, Valuation, and the Trillion-Dollar IPO

Elon Musk controls 79% of SpaceX's votes with just 42% of the equity - and the company just merged with his AI startup at a $1.25 trillion valuation. Here's who actually owns what, how the money works, and what a $1.75 trillion IPO means for investors.

Crew-11 Completes First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, SpaceX Sets Pad Record | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 astronauts splashdown off California in first-ever ISS medical evacuation. SpaceX sets pad turnaround record at Cape Canaveral with Starlink 6-98 deploying 29 satellites.

Shimizu's Luna Ring - The Plan to Wrap the Moon in Solar Panels

A 220-year-old Japanese construction company wants to build an 11,000-kilometer belt of solar cells around the lunar equator and beam the power back to Earth. The physics checks out. Everything else is another story.

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.

X Report 23 Jun 2025

SpaceX gears up for the Transporter 14 rideshare mission, while recent Starship setbacks have not deterred plans for Falcon 9 launches.

Space Brief 4 Mar 2025

Today's brief covers the historic lunar touchdown by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, highlights in military space activity, and a reflection on Pearl Young's pioneering legacy at NASA.

Musk Pivots SpaceX Focus to Moon Settlement Before Mars | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk shifts SpaceX's priority to lunar settlement before Mars colonization. Crew-12 launch delayed by weather to Feb 12. SpaceX partners with Hexagon Purus for manufacturing.

Top 10 Features You Didn't Know About Starlink

Discover the hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's revolutionary Starlink satellite internet service, from Easter eggs to advanced technical features.