Space Brief 27 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.
SL-6 R/B(2) (25488)
COSPAR: 1998-054D | Alt Name: Blok-ML 47-493
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 28, 1998
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25488
International Designator
1998-054D
Decay Date
8/29/2019
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-ML 47-493
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSNR
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
2.6
Diameter
2.4
Span
2.4
Dry Mass
900
Launch Mass
3770
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
7.8675
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok-ML No. 71647-493
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-L
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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