Space Brief 6 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers various military applications of climate-monitoring satellites, new defense strategies against unmanned threats, and the potential impacts of geopolitical tensions on orbit.
SL-7 R/B (06972)
COSPAR: 1973-099B | Alt Name: Kosmos-2 (N108) Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 13, 1973
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K63
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06972
International Designator
1973-099B
Decay Date
1/24/1975
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-7 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2 (N108) Stage 2
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
8
Diameter
1.6
Span
8
Dry Mass
840
Launch Mass
840
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
S1M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S1
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.
X Report 5 Oct 2025
SpaceX secures major contracts for U.S. national security launches, including multiple Falcon Heavy missions. Significant updates on Starlink deployments and the ongoing evolution of the company highlight a productive day in the space sector.
Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX airs Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions. Falcon 9 completes static fire test for Crew-12 launch on Feb 11. Falcon 9 resumed flights after engine investigation.
X Report 16 Dec 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its 100th Falcon 9 flight, deploying 29 Starlink satellites, while NASA plans to test SpaceX’s Starshield. Additionally, SpaceX engages in social media commentary regarding American Airlines' interest in Amazon's Starlink rival.
Space Brief 28 Oct 2024
Explore China's ambitions to expand its Tiangong space station, NASA's next steps for the Europa Clipper mission, and ESA's efforts to support the European space industry. Discover the latest in satellite tracking and consider the fascinating findings on potential life on Mars.
Space Brief 8 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.
X Report 2 Jun 2025
SpaceX delays the launch of 23 Starlink satellites due to geomagnetic storm concerns, adjusting the schedule for an upcoming Falcon 9 mission.
Starship V3 Scrubbed & SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX scrubbed Starship Flight 12's V3 debut due to a hydraulic pin fault, then filed an $18.7B IPO S-1 targeting Nasdaq under ticker SPCX.