SL-8 R/B (07638)

COSPAR: 1975-008B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 53-212 Stage 2

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 5, 1975

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/1

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

07638

International Designator

1975-008B

Decay Date

8/27/1980

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 53-212 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

4.2

Diameter

2.4

Span

4.2

Dry Mass

1434

Launch Mass

1434

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

9.7933

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

S3M

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

OAZ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

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.

The Morning a Supply Ship Tore Open Mir

On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.

Trump Nominates Lt. Gen. Schiess as 3rd Space Force Chief | KeepTrack Space Brief

Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess nominated to lead Space Force, becoming the third Chief of Operations since the service's 2019 founding. Pentagon clears 8 firms for classified AI access.

Space Brief 5 May 2025

Today's brief covers the Army's move to create a space career field for enlisted soldiers, Terran Orbital's involvement in a Space Force tech program, advancements in missile warning systems, a first flight test by Inversion Space, and more.

Space Force Awards Pulse Space $40M for Laser Power Tech | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards Pulse Space $40 million to develop laser systems for transmitting power and data between spacecraft in orbit. Game-changing on-orbit energy transfer capability.

X Report 19 Mar 2025

SpaceX safely returns Crew-9 from ISS, launches new Starlink satellites, and showcases its satellite kit production capabilities.

Vietnam Licenses Starlink for 600K Terminals, Isaacman Plans Roscosmos Visit | KeepTrack Space Brief

Vietnam approves Starlink with up to 600,000 terminals and 4 gateway stations. SpaceX hits 600th Falcon 9 launch. NASA's Isaacman plans Roscosmos meeting and Soyuz visit.

X Report 16 Dec 2024

SpaceX announces SPHEREx launch date for February 2025, and Airbus completes delivery of Thuraya 4 satellite for upcoming launch.

SpaceX Stacks Super Heavy for Starship's 12th Test Flight | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX stacks Super Heavy booster in preparation for Starship's 12th test flight. Three launches planned this week including ISRO rideshare mission. Musk shares AI and robotics predictions on podcast.