SL-6 R/B(2) (26973)

COSPAR: 2001-050D | Alt Name: Blok-ML 23-549
DECAYED

Image
SL-6 R/B(2) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 25, 2001

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/3

Launch Vehicle

Molniya 8K78M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

26973

International Designator

2001-050D

Decay Date

4/23/2012

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-6 R/B(2)

Alternative Name

Blok-ML 23-549

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

6.3836

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Blok-ML No. 71623-549

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.

X Report 25 Apr 2025

X Report 25 Apr 2025

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites successfully, while Starbase inches closer to city status and business discussions intensify.

X Report 4 Sep 2025

X Report 4 Sep 2025

SpaceX conducted multiple successful launches this week, adding to its Starlink constellation and marking significant milestones in its ongoing missions.

Space Brief 3 Jan 2025

Space Brief 3 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers the recent surge in SpaceX launches, Eutelsat's resolution of a OneWeb software issue, and various strategic previews for U.S. military branches in 2025.

10,168 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 Apr 2026

10,168 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 Apr 2026

Current number of Starlink satellites in orbit April 2026: 10,168 working of 10,177 tracked, 11,724 launched. Fleet health tops 99.9%.

Space Brief 20 Dec 2025

Space Brief 20 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief focuses on multi-billion dollar contracts for missile-tracking satellites, developments in optical nuclear clock research, and innovative drone projects for military collaboration.

X Report 17 Dec 2024

X Report 17 Dec 2024

SpaceX executes a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, Starlink extends its reach with a beta smartphone connectivity service by T-Mobile, and Starship approaches its seventh launch with readiness milestones.

ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.

X Report 11 Feb 2025

X Report 11 Feb 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 23 Starlink satellites, NASA selects SpaceX for astrophysics mission, and Starship Flight 8 advances with Booster 15 static fire.