Space Brief 15 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, a successful Rocket Lab mission for JAXA, and a scheduled launch update from Kennedy Space Center.
SL-12 R/B(2) (25048)
COSPAR: 1997-070D | Alt Name: Blok DM-2M No. 8L
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 12, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25048
International Designator
1997-070D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:55:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
14.73°
Right Ascension
354.12°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
164.45°
Period
1445.25 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok DM-2M No. 8L
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
VKSR
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25048U 97070D 26185.12192509 .00000086 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 25048 14.7331 354.1244 0014513 164.4503 21.2645 0.99636524104199
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
7.1
Diameter
3.7
Span
7.1
Dry Mass
2560
Launch Mass
17610
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
8.182
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S861-01 No. 8L
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok DM2
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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