X Report 27 Jul 2025
SpaceX's rapid advancements continued this weekend with two consecutive Starlink missions and preparations for the upcoming Crew-11 launch, showcasing its efficiency and commitment to expanding satellite broadband coverage.
SL-8 R/B (21797)
COSPAR: 1991-081B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 48-409 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 27, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21797
International Designator
1991-081B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:24:30 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.95°
Right Ascension
127.64°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
186.46°
Period
104.51 min
Mean Motion
13.78 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 48-409 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 21797U 91081B 26185.26702201 .00000051 00000-0 35857-4 0 9995
2 21797 82.9541 127.6443 0037542 186.4552 328.1442 13.77881633739039
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
4.2925
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
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.
X Report 10 Jun 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX include the debut of a new Dragon capsule for Axiom Space, continued Starlink deployments, and significant shifts in U.S. rural broadband funding that could benefit Starlink.
Space Brief 11 Nov 2024
SpaceX gears up for a Starlink launch from Florida amid ongoing space policy discussions. A closer look at the OneWeb satellite series in our Satellite Spotlight.
X Report 9 Dec 2024
SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.
Falcon 9 Lands in Bahamas for 2nd Time, Reentry Pollution Measured | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX lands Falcon 9 in The Bahamas for the second time ever during Starlink 10-34 mission. Scientists measure rocket reentry air pollution in real-time for the first time.
GOES-G | The Day a Weather Satellite Exploded Over the Atlantic
Forty years ago today, a Delta 3914 lifted off Cape Canaveral with a weather satellite the country could not afford to lose. Seventy-one seconds later, its main engine cut off. Ninety-one seconds in, the range safety officer pressed his button. The third domino of a brutal 1986 had fallen.
X Report 12 Dec 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with record-breaking launch operations, while plans for an IPO signal major changes in the company's trajectory and could inspire industry-wide movements.
China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear
In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.