Space Brief 31 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
SL-14 R/B (20741)
COSPAR: 1990-070G | Alt Name: Tsiklon-3 79-203 Stage 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 8, 1990
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC32/2
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20741
International Designator
1990-070G
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:18:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
82.58°
Right Ascension
59.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
21.19°
Period
114.68 min
Mean Motion
12.56 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-14 R/B
Alternative Name
Tsiklon-3 79-203 Stage 3
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
UNKS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20741U 90070G 26185.05437594 .00000020 00000-0 58492-4 0 9993
2 20741 82.5756 59.6154 0036244 21.1889 142.7481 12.55717942645642
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
2.8
Diameter
2.2
Span
2.8
Dry Mass
1600
Launch Mass
1600
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.872
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
S5M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S5M
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
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