The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
SL-3 R/B (00438)
COSPAR: 1962-054B | Alt Name: Vostok-2 (N04) Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 17, 1962
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Vostok 8A92
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00438
International Designator
1962-054B
Decay Date
11/5/1962
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-3 R/B
Alternative Name
Vostok-2 (N04) Stage 3
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
3.8
Diameter
2.6
Span
3.8
Dry Mass
1440
Launch Mass
1440
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8A92E
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-E
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 12 Jan 2025
SpaceX concludes a wet dress rehearsal for Starship Flight 7, aiming for the largest rocket launch on January 15 after weather delays.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
The bustling downtown of space: where most satellites operate, communication networks bloom, and the challenges of atmospheric drag and radiation shape our approach to space operations
Space Brief 2 Jan 2025
Today's recap covers SpaceX's role in record launch numbers, the FCC's spectrum allocation for launches, and the historical portrayal of the Ingenuity helicopter.
Space Brief 10 Feb 2025
Discover today's key space events: SpaceX's Starlink launch, rocket debris risks, and advancements in nuclear rocket technology.
X Report 21 Feb 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 achieves another milestone with successful international launch; Elon Musk discusses the future of the ISS; SpaceX prepares for its 450th Falcon launch.
Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
X Report 9 Jan 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX as Starshield satellites prepare for launch, Starship Flight 7 faces a short delay, and new Starlink satellites enter orbit.