Space Brief 17 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.
SL-4 R/B (58659)
COSPAR: 2023-209B | Alt Name: Soyuz-2-1v (N011) Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 27, 2023
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-2-1V
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58659
International Designator
2023-209B
Decay Date
5/3/2024
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-2-1v (N011) Blok-I
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSNR
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok-I 14S54/RD-0110
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROGT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
RD-0110
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 5 Sep 2024
Today we cover the final launch of Vega's original version, a significant milestone for SpaceX with the U.S. military, preparations for NASA's Starliner return, and more.
SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches Starlink while debuting on Nasdaq at $1.77 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, Senate FY2027 NDAA would dissolve SDA into Space Force, affecting Tranche constellation tracking.
X Report 24 Apr 2025
SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.
Space Force Acquisition Workforce Shortfall Threatens Modernization | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force modernization stalls over workforce gaps. Deutsche Telekom targets 2028 for Starlink Mobile V2 across 10 EU nations. Iran ops strain US munition stocks.
Starship V3 Targets May 19 Debut; FCC OKs $2.4B Spectrum Deal | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship V3's first flight from Pad 2 as the FCC approves a $2.4B EchoStar spectrum deal for Starlink D2D.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Gantry Damaged; SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's LC-36 gantry damaged in blast; CEO targets end-2026 return. SpaceX awarded $4.16B Space Force contract for airborne threat tracking satellites.
The 300,000 Swerves Keeping Low Earth Orbit From Crashing
Starlink satellites fired their thrusters to dodge a collision roughly 300,000 times in 2025, about 822 times a day. Behind that number is a fragile, half-automated system of warnings, probabilities, and judgment calls that decides which close approaches are worth a maneuver and which are just noise.