Space Brief 8 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.
SL-3 R/B (04584)
COSPAR: 1970-085B | Alt Name: Vostok-2M (N17) Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 15, 1970
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Vostok 8A92M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04584
International Designator
1970-085B
Decay Date
1/1/2001
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-3 R/B
Alternative Name
Vostok-2M (N17) 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
10.7562
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8A92ME
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
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