Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
SL-4 R/B (06695)
COSPAR: 1973-041B | Alt Name: Soyuz No. 27 Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 15, 1973
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz 11A511
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06695
International Designator
1973-041B
Decay Date
6/21/1973
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz No. 27 Blok-I
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
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
11S510
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
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.
GAO Warns Space Force Satellite Costs Rising, Workforce Cuts Add Risk | KeepTrack Space Brief
GAO flags growing cost problems across Space Force satellite portfolio with workforce reductions compounding risks to missile-warning constellations like NGG and SWAT.
108 Minutes That Changed Everything - and the 20-Year Echo That Followed
On April 12, 1961, a 27-year-old Soviet pilot rode a modified ICBM into orbit and came back alive after 108 minutes. Exactly twenty years later, two Americans climbed aboard an untested spacecraft covered in 31,000 ceramic tiles and bet their lives that the math was right.
Space Brief 31 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.
Space Brief 23 Jun 2025
Significant advancements and launches in space: NASA's hypersonic sensor breakthrough, ChinaSat-9C's launch, and SpaceX's resilient Falcon 9 operations.
Space Brief 3 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into NASA's lunar nuclear power initiative, a strategic Army data integration project, and a rare SpaceX Falcon booster launch. Also covered are significant advancements in military satellite technology and Navy unmanned surface vehicles.
Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Wingmen | KeepTrack Space Brief
Air Force awards CCA contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for autonomous fighter wingmen. Autonomy layer split across Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace.
Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards first-of-its-kind $52M contract to Starfish Space for deorbiting defunct satellites. AST SpaceMobile selected for Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program. $26B Space Force budget confirmed.