Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit
We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.
SL-6 R/B(2) (26870)
COSPAR: 2001-030D | Alt Name: Blok-ML 34-497
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 20, 2001
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26870
International Designator
2001-030D
Decay Date
3/17/2018
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-ML 34-497
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
KVR
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
3.3
Diameter
2.3
Span
3.3
Dry Mass
900
Launch Mass
4500
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.9498
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok-ML No. 76734-497
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Army Recruiting 1,000 Space Specialists Alongside Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
Army launches space career field seeking 1,000 new specialists. HASC chair Rogers eyes $1.5T defense budget. Army and Marines share fire mission data via JADC2.
Space Brief 19 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's potential government contract, the future of US Space Command headquarters, an auction record for Neil Armstrong's watch, and the volcanic history of Mars.
Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format
Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2024
A Falcon 9 booster fails to land, increasing GPS and PNT significance for national security, and NASA's SLS mobile launch platform costs soar.
X Report 7 Apr 2025
SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.
Falcon 9 Shatters Reuse Record With 33rd Flight on Double Launch Day | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches two Falcon 9 rockets in one day carrying Starlink satellites from both coasts. Most-flown booster achieves record 33rd flight. 28 V2 Mini Optimized sats deployed.
X Report 31 Dec 2025
Vandenberg Space Force Base opens a new launch site that may accommodate SpaceX's Starship. Meanwhile, Starlink continues to expand its service capabilities.