Space Brief 11 Dec 2024
Explore today's space news including Space Force's five-year reflection, Rocket Lab's military hypersonic test, SpaceX's festive launch, and a glimpse at China's strategic space maneuvers.
SL-12 R/B(2) (19505)
COSPAR: 1988-085E | Alt Name: Blok DM-2 No. 43L
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 16, 1988
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
19505
International Designator
1988-085E
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:53:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
65.20°
Right Ascension
312.52°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
208.38°
Period
674.89 min
Mean Motion
2.13 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. 43L
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 19505U 88085E 26185.82913757 -.00000043 00000+0 00000+0 0 9999
2 19505 65.1965 312.5233 0011696 208.3760 136.2037 02.13369126294417
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
1.6779
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S861 No. 43L
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.
Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.
X Report 21 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves a historic rocket reuse milestone and successfully launches NRO satellites, alongside charming interactions during Crew-9 Dragon recovery.
Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.
Space Brief 28 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid Starlink launches, insights into China's Mars sample return mission, and ULA's future launch plans. Also, a new Space Force general takes the reins of the U.S. missile defense program.
Space Brief 26 Jan 2025
Spacewalks have resumed on the ISS, while Blue Origin prepares for a unique New Shepard mission. In other news, astronomers push for a ban on space ads and potential budget cuts threaten the JWST.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.