Space Brief 28 Nov 2025
Discover the latest on China's Zhuque-3 launch, ISS crew updates, ESA's budget dealings, a strategic super-resolution partnership, and ACME Space's innovative plans.
SL-8 R/B (08010)
COSPAR: 1975-062B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 21-259 Stage 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 4, 1975
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
08010
International Designator
1975-062B
Decay Date
12/26/1980
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 21-259 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
13.05
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Varda W-5 Reentry Lands in Australia, Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill | KeepTrack Space Brief
Varda Space's W-5 mission lands safely in Australia. Leonardo DRS wins SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3 infrared payload contract. Senate passes $839B defense bill.
Starlink Airs First Super Bowl Ad, Artemis II Nears Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX debuts Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions of viewers. Artemis II reaches Kennedy launch pad for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo era.
NLRB Drops SpaceX Oversight Case, Booster 19 Tests Complete | KeepTrack X Report
US labor board drops oversight case against SpaceX. Booster 19 completes cryogenic testing at upgraded Massey's. SpaceX IPO expected to reshape space investment landscape.
Space Object Catalog
The master ledger of everything orbiting Earth: how tens of thousands of satellites, rocket bodies, and debris fragments are tracked and numbered
China Opens 2026 With Yaogan and Guowang Satellite Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief
China launches Yaogan spacecraft into unusual orbit and Guowang constellation satellites to start 2026. NASA and DOE plan lunar nuclear reactor by 2030. Space Force switches GPS launch rocket.
X Report 23 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8 amidst Starlink's growing presence in global internet markets.
Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Flyby | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 astronauts completed first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17, traveling 690,000 miles aboard Orion. Four crew validated deep-space systems.