Space Brief 23 Sep 2025
Explore the latest in satellite launches and space reconnaissance as Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and military entities push forward with innovative missions. A new propulsion clean room marks growth in satellite tech.
SL-8 R/B (06320)
COSPAR: 1972-102B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M Yu149-43 Stage 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 21, 1972
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06320
International Designator
1972-102B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:30:41 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
74.01°
Right Ascension
164.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
329.41°
Period
112.76 min
Mean Motion
12.77 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M Yu149-43 Stage 2
Type
Rocket Body
Status
Space Junk
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 06320U 72102B 26185.18798300 -.00000101 00000-0 -38426-3 0 9991
2 06320 74.0122 164.7512 0024687 329.4056 42.2891 12.77032892495376
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
4.485
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 12 Jun 2025
Today, SpaceX faced delays in launching the Ax-4 mission due to a booster leak, while Starlink made strides towards launching in India with new telecom license approval.
Falcon 9 Completes GPS III Constellation for Space Force | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 delivered GPS III SV-10 at 0653 UTC, capping Lockheed Martin's 10-satellite series as SpaceX eyes a $60B AI coding acquisition pre-IPO.
Space Brief 27 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's progress on the Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, BlackSky's new government contract, and AEI's policy recommendations for Space Force restructuring.
Space Brief 20 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.
X Report 3 Dec 2024
Starship developments continue to capture attention alongside Starlink's latest deployment milestones.
X Report 25 Feb 2025
SpaceX has completed the investigation into Starship Flight 7, announcing causes ahead of the next planned launch, while numerous missions are lined up for launch this week.
X Report 6 Mar 2025
Starship Flight 8 set for launch, new milestones in the defense sector, and launch updates dominate today's news.