Space Brief 21 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief covers SpaceX's recent launch for OneWeb, advances in remote-control robots for lunar missions, the power loss of Intelsat 33e, and developments in inflatable space habitats.
SL-4 R/B(2) (25681)
COSPAR: 1999-019F | Alt Name: Ikar No. 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 15, 1999
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U-PVB
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25681
International Designator
1999-019F
Decay Date
4/16/1999
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Ikar No. 3
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
2.7
Span
2.7
Dry Mass
820
Launch Mass
3164
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Ikar 50KS No. M15000-03
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROGT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ikar
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starship Flight 13 Set for July 16, Will Deploy Live Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets July 16 for Starship Flight 13, testing V3 fixes and deploying functioning Starlink satellites for the first time.
X Report 27 Feb 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets propel space exploration and connectivity forward with a moon landing mission, Starlink deployment, and readiness for another Starship launch trial.
X Report 31 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Starlink sparks market shifts and celestial awe as iPhones gain new connectivity and a satellite ignites the night sky.
Space Brief 7 Nov 2024
Today's Space Brief covers major upcoming launches from SpaceX, US military missile tests, and developments in Virgin Galactic's fleet expansion. Stay informed on key satellite events and launch updates.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
SpaceX Launches Third GPS Satellite Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX successfully launches GPS satellite for Space Force — third consecutive GPS mission switched from ULA. EBAD demonstrates payload release module on Falcon 9 rideshare mission.
Space Brief 1 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's orbital carrier initiative, ULA Vulcan's approval for military launches, Rocket Lab's new contract with the Space Force, integrated data layers for military command, and advances in tactical surveillance.