Space Brief 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
SL-8 R/B (24955)
COSPAR: 1997-052C | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 65-637 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 23, 1997
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24955
International Designator
1997-052C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:11:30 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
82.92°
Right Ascension
309.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
174.59°
Period
104.20 min
Mean Motion
13.82 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-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 65-637 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VKSR
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24955U 97052C 26184.79965950 .00000045 00000-0 27473-4 0 9995
2 24955 82.9218 309.2185 0029833 174.5923 185.5566 13.81935391450706
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
5.732
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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