SL-18 R/B (24745)

COSPAR: 1997-010B | Alt Name: Start-1.2 (N1) Stage 4
DECAYED

Image
SL-18 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 4, 1997

Launch Site

SVOBO

Launch Pad

LC5

Launch Vehicle

Start-1.2

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24745

International Designator

1997-010B

Decay Date

1/12/2001

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-18 R/B

Alternative Name

Start-1.2 (N1) Stage 4

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

3

Diameter

1.6

Span

3

Dry Mass

250

Launch Mass

250

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

3.9651

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

DS

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

KMIT

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Start

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.

Space Brief 9 Nov 2024

Space Brief 9 Nov 2024

Today's briefing covers significant developments in international rocket designs, recent astronaut health updates, and advancements in supersonic flight technology.

X Report 27 Aug 2025

X Report 27 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully completes a critical test flight of its Starship vehicle while gearing up for another Starlink satellite launch, showcasing significant advancements in their launch capabilities.

Space Brief 3 Aug 2025

Space Brief 3 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers NASA's collaboration with India for a new Earth-tracking satellite, China's expansion of its satellite internet network, and a groundbreaking cosmic shield for solar cells. Also highlighted are EchoStar's ambitious satellite order and Roscosmos' recent diplomatic moves.

The $30 Million Toilet That Keeps Breaking on the Way to the Moon

The $30 Million Toilet That Keeps Breaking on the Way to the Moon

Sixty years of space toilet engineering, a decade of development, and a $30 million contract - and the Artemis II crew still had to pee in bags on Day 1.

Transporter 16 Carries 119 Payloads to SSO, X Report 29 Mar 2026

Transporter 16 Carries 119 Payloads to SSO, X Report 29 Mar 2026

Transporter 16 carries 119 payloads: SpaceX's rideshare mission targets Sun-synchronous orbit from Vandenberg, one of its densest manifests yet.

X Report 28 Nov 2025

X Report 28 Nov 2025

Today marks a significant milestone as SpaceX successfully launches another batch of Starlink satellites, boosting global connectivity efforts.

Lagrange Points

Lagrange Points

Five spots in the Earth-Sun system where the gravitational tug of two massive bodies and the pull of circular motion all cancel out, creating gravitational parking spaces where spacecraft can sit for decades with almost no fuel.

Space Brief 14 Apr 2025

Space Brief 14 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking Falcon launches, urgent warnings about orbital collisions, and a doubleheader launch featuring spy and Starlink satellites.