Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
SL-4 R/B (32485)
COSPAR: 2008-004B | Alt Name: Soyuz-U-PVB No. 106 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 5, 2008
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U-PVB
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
32485
International Designator
2008-004B
Decay Date
2/8/2008
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U-PVB No. 106 Blok-I
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
6.7
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.7
Dry Mass
2350
Launch Mass
2350
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
8.6997
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S510
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROGT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
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.
How a Parachutist Named Seagull Became the First Woman in Space
On 16 June 1963, a 26-year-old former textile worker named Valentina Tereshkova launched aboard Vostok 6 and spent nearly three days alone in orbit. She flew 48 times around the Earth, longer than every American astronaut combined, and spotted a dangerous flaw in her descent program that ground controllers had missed.
X Report 22 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves its 450th Falcon 9 launch, setting a new turnaround record, while its competitor ULA remains grounded, awaiting clearance from the Space Force.
NASA Tests Artemis 2 Fueling, Saudi Unveils DebriSolver Winners | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA conducts critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test. Saudi Space Agency announces global DebriSolver competition winners. SpaceX and Bezos push orbital data center plans.
X Report 14 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched a batch of Starlink satellites today while introducing new features to enhance user experience. Their rideshare program continues to see increased demand, proving popular among customers.
SpaceX Lands $2.29B Space Force Contract, X Report 27 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $2.29 billion US Space Force contract for a military space data network, NASA adds 6 crew missions, and Starship V3 makes its first flight.
LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything
A startup built on Cold War-era radar science now tracks 25,000 objects in orbit - and the Pentagon can't get enough of it. But can its radars really compete with the Space Surveillance Network?
Space Brief 25 Sep 2025
Discover the latest developments in space defense, innovative satellite technologies, nuclear advancements in space travel, and strategic military updates.