Space Brief 5 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.
SL-6 R/B(1) (03621)
COSPAR: 1968-115C | Alt Name: Molniya-M No. 039 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 16, 1968
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
03621
International Designator
1968-115C
Decay Date
1/18/1969
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Molniya-M No. 039 Blok-I
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
11S510
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
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.
Space Brief 6 Apr 2025
Today, we explore substantial U.S. defense contracts awarded for space launches, ESA's enigmatic Euclid images release, and SpaceX missions covering satellite launches and astronaut reentries.
Space Brief 27 Jul 2025
Busy activities in space: SpaceX's series of Starlink launches dominate the week, while Vega C successfully deploys Earth science satellites.
X Report 4 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the successful launch of 29 Starlink satellites, progress on the Starship fleet, and ongoing adjustments in SpaceX's launch schedules.
Falcon 9 Resumes Flights, Starbase Approved to Double in Size | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 resumes flights with 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg. SpaceX test-fires rocket ahead of Crew-12 launch. Starbase approved to nearly double its launch site footprint.
Space Brief 5 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers Lockheed Martin's pursuits in missile interception, key military advancements in space integration, the UK launch license for Skyrora, and much more.
X Report 30 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues to push boundaries with the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites and significant testing preparations for upcoming Crew-11 and Starship missions.
Space Brief 31 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers advancements in satellite technology initiatives by the U.S. Space Force, geopolitical implications in maritime domains, and Sweden's significant military aid package. Additionally, we spotlight a historical satellite with modern implications.