SL-8 R/B (20557)

COSPAR: 1990-029J | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 61-259 Stage 2

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 6, 1990

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC133/3

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20557

International Designator

1990-029J

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:20:08 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

73.99°

Right Ascension

39.38°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

137.07°

Period

117.71 min

Mean Motion

12.23 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 61-259 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RVSN

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 20557U 90029J   26185.01398166 -.00000012  00000-0  15370-4 0  9999

2 20557  73.9853  39.3784 0151916 137.0674  39.8968 12.23309630618031

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

4.2

Diameter

2.4

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

1434

Launch Mass

1434

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

6.1248

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

POL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

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Latitude

Longitude

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