China Launches VLEO Alliance With Sats Below 300km | KeepTrack Space Brief
China formalized a national VLEO industry alliance with multiple satellites sustaining operations below 300 kilometers altitude. Propulsion startups attracting investment.
SL-12 R/B(1) (24813)
COSPAR: 1997-026B | Alt Name: Proton-K 380-02 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24813
International Designator
1997-026B
Decay Date
6/1/1997
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Proton-K 380-02 Stage 3
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
6.5
Diameter
4.2
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
4185
Launch Mass
4185
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
20.43
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8S812
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
KHRU
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
8S812
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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