Space Brief 1 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers advances in satellite docking technology, challenges faced by space companies with government navigation, and China's leap in space autonomy through AI developments.
SL-6 R/B (00688)
COSPAR: 1963-044B | Alt Name: Molniya 8K78 (N14) Blok-I
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 11, 1963
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00688
International Designator
1963-044B
Decay Date
11/12/1963
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-6 R/B
Alternative Name
Molniya 8K78 (N14) 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
9.4
Diameter
2.7
Span
9.4
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8K78I
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.
US Agency Will Not Reinstate $900 Mln Subsidy for SpaceX Starlink Unit
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission reaffirms its decision to deny SpaceX's Starlink unit $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies, impacting the company's plans for expanding internet access.
The Day a Farm Boy Found a New World
Ninety-five years ago, a 24-year-old astronomer with no college degree made one of astronomy's most remarkable discoveries, finding a new planet that would challenge our understanding of the solar system
STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report
A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.
Northrop Grumman Books $71M Charge on Vulcan Booster Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Northrop Grumman takes $71M charge over Vulcan solid rocket booster anomaly, grounding ULA's vehicle. Vulcan manifest timelines now in holding pattern pending resolution.
Starship Flight 13 Set for July 16, Will Deploy Live Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets July 16 for Starship Flight 13, testing V3 fixes and deploying functioning Starlink satellites for the first time.
Space Brief 17 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.
SpaceX IPO Raises $75B at $135/Share on Nasdaq Debut | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's historic $75B IPO priced at $135/share launches SPCX on Nasdaq at a $1.77 trillion valuation — the largest IPO in history.