China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Shenlong spaceplane released an unidentified object in orbit, drawing scrutiny amid U.S. Space Force Victus Haze RPO demonstrations. Tracking data critical.
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR) (26573)
COSPAR: 2000-063G | Alt Name: DM2-91L SOZ-1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 13, 2000
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/24
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26573
International Designator
2000-063G
Decay Date
12/30/2007
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(AUX MOTOR)
Alternative Name
DM2-91L SOZ-1
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
1
Diameter
0.6
Span
1
Dry Mass
56
Launch Mass
110
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.7686
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SOZ
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SOZ
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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