Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
BLOCK DM-SL R/B (27826)
COSPAR: 2003-026B | Alt Name: Blok DM-SL No. 18L
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 10, 2003
Launch Site
SEAL
Launch Pad
KLA -
Launch Vehicle
Zenit-3SL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27826
International Designator
2003-026B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:55:41 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
5.92°
Right Ascension
65.20°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
325.69°
Period
648.50 min
Mean Motion
2.22 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
BLOCK DM-SL R/B
Alternative Name
Blok DM-SL No. 18L
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
SEALP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 27826U 03026B 26184.99701139 -.00000042 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 27826 5.9161 65.1974 6962480 325.6873 226.4414 2.22049423187164
Source: Celestrak
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
6.3
Diameter
3.7
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
3070
Launch Mass
11780
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
18.6237
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok DM-SL
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
RKKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok DM2
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
11D58M
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 6 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th Falcon rocket landing. Meanwhile, the Starship program reflects on its journey through ten flights, and competition with Amazon's Project Kuiper heats up as JetBlue opts for their in-flight Wi-Fi service.
X Report 20 Jan 2025
SpaceX continues to push forward with its ambitious plans as the FAA investigates Starship debris reports, while Starlink maintains robust satellite operations.
X Report 21 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its 32nd cargo mission to the ISS, and NRO marks a milestone with over 200 satellites deployed.
Space Brief 20 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.
Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.
X Report 12 Jun 2025
Today, SpaceX faced delays in launching the Ax-4 mission due to a booster leak, while Starlink made strides towards launching in India with new telecom license approval.
X Report 6 May 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 250th mission from SLC-40, while Starlink experiences a surge during a crisis in Spain and Portugal. Additionally, SpaceX celebrates the official designation of Starbase City, aiming to boost launch capabilities.