SL-8 R/B (24773)

COSPAR: 1997-017B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 65-635 Stage 2

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

Launch Date

April 17, 1997

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24773

International Designator

1997-017B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:51:27 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

82.92°

Right Ascension

84.04°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

109.43°

Period

104.81 min

Mean Motion

13.74 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 65-635 Stage 2

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

VKS

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 24773U 97017B   26185.20239769  .00000098  00000-0  87433-4 0  9993
2 24773  82.9209  84.0432 0025566 109.4300  53.8224 13.73979946464249

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

4.5542

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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 12 Aug 2025

X Report 12 Aug 2025

SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.

X Report 11 Mar 2025

X Report 11 Mar 2025

A week of highs and lows for SpaceX, including weather-related delays and a return to Falcon launches.

Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex

Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex

India's second spaceport solves a geometry problem. How ISRO is building a dedicated small satellite facility that eliminates the costly dogleg maneuvers plaguing polar launches from Sriharikota.

L3Harris, Sierra Space Win $1.75B Missile-Tracking Satellite Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

L3Harris, Sierra Space Win $1.75B Missile-Tracking Satellite Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

L3Harris and Sierra Space awarded $1.75 billion to build 36 missile-tracking satellites for SDA's Tracking Layer constellation. Hypersonic and ballistic missile detection from low Earth orbit.

X Report 13 Nov 2024

X Report 13 Nov 2024

SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites as Starship prepares for full stack testing, amidst Musk's new governmental role.

X Report 2 Feb 2025

X Report 2 Feb 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 43 Starlink satellites across two missions, marking significant achievements at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Bases.

X Report 8 Feb 2025

X Report 8 Feb 2025

SpaceX makes strides on Starship launch pad, upcoming Starlink infusions from California and Florida, and regulatory challenges loom with FCC and C-band spectrum.

X Report 13 Aug 2025

X Report 13 Aug 2025

SpaceX continues to innovate as it nears peak Falcon 9 launch rates while refining technologies pivotal for future Mars missions.