Space Brief 6 Jul 2025
Today’s brief covers the delayed launch of Australia's first orbital rocket, China's reusability programs, and the snow-enforced shutdown of a Chilean radio telescope.
SL-8 R/B (04800)
COSPAR: 1970-108B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M No. 39LM Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 12, 1970
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04800
International Designator
1970-108B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:17:56 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
74.02°
Right Ascension
263.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
324.49°
Period
104.42 min
Mean Motion
13.79 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M No. 39LM Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 04800U 70108B 26184.92912456 .00000051 00000-0 72386-4 0 9993
2 04800 74.0222 263.3992 0009835 324.4932 35.5534 13.79002559794384
Source: Celestrak
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
4.2
Diameter
2.4
Span
4.2
Dry Mass
1434
Launch Mass
1434
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
4.3409
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
S3M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
OAZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S3
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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