Space Brief 22 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include ExoMars' successful parachute test, developments in military satellite systems, and leadership changes at NASA Goddard.
SL-6 R/B(2) (05940)
COSPAR: 1972-025G | Alt Name: Blok-L
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 4, 1972
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05940
International Designator
1972-025G
Decay Date
3/8/1974
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-L
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
3.3
Diameter
2.4
Span
3.3
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
4500
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Blok-L
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBEM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-L
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.
Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX ignited all 6 Starship engines for a full minute at Starbase, while a Falcon 9 added 24 more Starlinks from Vandenberg on July 1.
New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral's LC-36, causing visible pad damage and a year-plus grounding. NASA lunar plans affected.
First Graviton Detector Concept Proposed, Space Force Shelves R-GPS Program | KeepTrack Space Brief
Keck Foundation team proposes first-ever graviton detector concept. Space Force shelves Resilient GPS program. China advances Long March 12B reusable rocket with static fire test at Jiuquan.
Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
Space Force Halts All Vulcan Missions Over Solid Booster Issue | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force suspends all Vulcan launches pending solid rocket booster investigation. Rocket Lab scrubs HASTE hypersonic vehicle launch. Military space funding hits record highs.
X Report 14 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched a batch of Starlink satellites today while introducing new features to enhance user experience. Their rideshare program continues to see increased demand, proving popular among customers.
GPS III SV10 Launches on Falcon 9, X Report 20 Apr 2026
GPS III SV10 launched April 21 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 with 3x better accuracy and 8x anti-jamming. Starlink stands at 10,263 working satellites.