X Report 10 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 8 with successful booster static fire; Starlink continues its expansion.
SL-4 R/B (19012)
COSPAR: 1988-025B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U 48-850 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 1988
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
19012
International Designator
1988-025B
Decay Date
3/27/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U 48-850 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
15.17
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.
X Report 6 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves a milestone with its 350th successful mission, including a significant Starlink launch, while Starship advances in testing. Meanwhile, SpaceX boosts SiriusXM's satellite fleet and industry competitors make strides.
Space Brief 12 Jul 2025
Today's focus spans from major military training initiatives in orbit to key updates on drone policies and crucial satellite launches.
Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's SLS and Orion spacecraft rolled back to Launch Complex 39B, targeting April 1 for first crewed lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.
SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, NASA SLS Leak Tests Struggle | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX reaches 600th Falcon 9 launch with Starlink 17-13 from Vandenberg. NASA SLS hydrogen leak repairs only partially successful. New book explores forces shaping space.
The 300,000 Swerves Keeping Low Earth Orbit From Crashing
Starlink satellites fired their thrusters to dodge a collision roughly 300,000 times in 2025, about 822 times a day. Behind that number is a fragile, half-automated system of warnings, probabilities, and judgment calls that decides which close approaches are worth a maneuver and which are just noise.
X Report 3 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to expand its reach with the successful launch of more Starlink satellites while exploring innovative military applications for satellite communications.
Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.