SL-8 R/B (21131)

COSPAR: 1991-013B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 68-255 Stage 2

Image
SL-8 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 26, 1991

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC133/3

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21131

International Designator

1991-013B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:42:51 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

82.83°

Right Ascension

174.86°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

52.95°

Period

104.30 min

Mean Motion

13.81 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 68-255 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

RVSN

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 21131U 91013B   26185.23809778  .00000064  00000-0  45786-4 0  9992
2 21131  82.8262 174.8597 0064627  52.9480 307.7566 13.80626575780420

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

5.3473

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

POL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

S3

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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