Space Brief 28 Dec 2025
Exploring the future of space with concerns on space debris, rapid growth in orbital data centers, and new developments at launch sites.
SL-12 R/B(2) (23013)
COSPAR: 1994-012D | Alt Name: Blok DM-2 No. 73L
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 18, 1994
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23013
International Designator
1994-012D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:07:47 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
15.01°
Right Ascension
350.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
124.17°
Period
1467.75 min
Mean Motion
0.98 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-12 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok DM-2 No. 73L
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSNR
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23013U 94012D 26184.75541022 -.00000209 00000-0 00000-0 0 9994
2 23013 15.0071 350.9360 0032765 124.1707 241.9292 0.98109664115904
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
3.1698
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S861 No. 73L
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
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
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