RUBIN-4 & SL-8 R/B (27940)

COSPAR: 2003-042B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 52-103 Stage 2

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 27, 2003

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

27940

International Designator

2003-042B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:51:27 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

98.39°

Right Ascension

3.64°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

307.01°

Period

97.99 min

Mean Motion

14.70 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

RUBIN-4 & SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 52-103 Stage 2

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

KVR

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 27940U 03042B   26185.20240592  .00000575  00000-0  10584-3 0  9995

2 27940  98.3883   3.6352 0011978 307.0086  53.0022 14.69507933217067

Source: Celestrak

Summary

RUBIN-4 & SL-8 R/B is an experimental technology satellite with the NORAD identifier 27940 and OBJECT_ID 2003-042B, launched on September 27, 2003, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome LC132/1 launch pad using a Kosmos 11K65M launch vehicle. The satellite is configured as an experiment container bolted to a Kosmos-3M second stage and has dimensions of 4.2 meters in length, 2.4 meters in diameter, and a span of 4.2 meters. It weighs 1434 kilograms both at launch and dry mass, indicating no significant fuel or expendables. The satellite's power source is batteries, and it was designed for a technology mission with a lifespan of approximately three years. Manufactured by POL (likely Polish Space Research Centre), the satellite belongs to KVR (Kosmicheskiy Vysshiy Razvedka). Its shape is cylindrical, and it operates in orbit without any motor propulsion system.

Physical Characteristics

Length

4.2

Diameter

2.4

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

1434

Launch Mass

1434

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

6.4331

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Technology

Mission

Technology

Manufacturer

POL

Life Expectancy

3 years (#3)

Bus

Configuration

Experiment container bolted to Kosmos-3M second stage

Motor

none (in orbit)

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

SpaceX Plans Seven Rocket Launches From Six Global Sites This Week | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets seven rocket launches from six global sites this week including two Falcon 9 missions from California. 29 Starlink satellites successfully deployed from Cape Canaveral on January 18.

The Day America Shot Down Its Own Spy Satellite

Seventeen years ago, a Navy cruiser in the Pacific fired a missile at a tumbling reconnaissance satellite that had failed within hours of reaching orbit - officially to prevent toxic fuel from reaching the ground, unofficially to prove something far more significant to China and the world

Space Brief 12 Jul 2025

Today's focus spans from major military training initiatives in orbit to key updates on drone policies and crucial satellite launches.

X Report 30 Sep 2025

SpaceX gears up for its next Starship flight while recent Falcon 9 missions make headlines with spectacular launches, bringing fresh Starlink satellites into orbit.

X Report 17 May 2025

SpaceX gains regulatory approval for a new Starship test flight, further expands its role in U.S. defense, and successfully launches 26 additional Starlink satellites. United Airlines also rolls out Starlink Wi-Fi on its flights.

X Report 8 May 2025

SpaceX launches 28 more Starlink satellites while addressing conflicts of interest and expanding home connectivity with a new router.

GOES-19, the Last Weather Sentinel

The final satellite in a multi-billion-dollar program that learned its hardest lesson from a clogged pipe. GOES-19 is now NOAA's eyes on every Atlantic hurricane - and it's already found dozens of comets no one was looking for.

Space Brief 27 Nov 2024

Space highlights include a debut launch of ZhuQue-2E, Firefly's lunar lander timeline, semiconductor funding for satellites, and ISS debris avoidance.