Space Brief 4 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers the historic lunar touchdown by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, highlights in military space activity, and a reflection on Pearl Young's pioneering legacy at NASA.
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR) (23886)
COSPAR: 1996-034E | Alt Name: DM2-100L SOZ-1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 25, 1996
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23886
International Designator
1996-034E
Decay Date
12/19/1996
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR)
Alternative Name
DM2-100L SOZ-1
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VKS
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
1.1
Diameter
0.5
Span
1.1
Dry Mass
60
Launch Mass
120
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.5366
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SOZ
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SOZ
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully reused its first stage booster for the first time on Mission 3, launching April 19. Booster reuse accelerates operational tempo.
SpaceX Stock Eyed for US Kids' Savings Accounts | KeepTrack X Report
Trump reportedly asked Musk to donate SpaceX equity to seed children's savings accounts as Starlink tops 10,706 working satellites in orbit.
The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris
As humanity increasingly relies on satellites, the escalating space junk problem poses a dire threat to our space-based infrastructure. With debris counts reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed to prevent a cascade of collisions that could make key orbits unusable.
How a Parachutist Named Seagull Became the First Woman in Space
On 16 June 1963, a 26-year-old former textile worker named Valentina Tereshkova launched aboard Vostok 6 and spent nearly three days alone in orbit. She flew 48 times around the Earth, longer than every American astronaut combined, and spotted a dangerous flaw in her descent program that ground controllers had missed.
Space Brief 10 Nov 2024
Long March 2C launches four PIESAT-2 radar satellites, Gilmour Space secures Australia's first orbital launch permit, NASA extends ISS cargo contracts through 2030, ESA and Arianespace face industry crossroads.
NASA Pressures Blue Origin on HLS After New Glenn Explosion | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA demands Blue Origin find alternate launcher for Artemis moon landers after New Glenn test explosion damaged Cape Canaveral LC-36. Schedule risk to lunar missions.
X Report 9 Dec 2024
SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.