Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.
SL-12 R/B(1) (08515)
COSPAR: 1975-123C | Alt Name: Proton-K 288-01 Stage 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 22, 1975
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/24
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
08515
International Designator
1975-123C
Decay Date
12/25/1975
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SL-12 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Proton-K 288-01 Stage 3
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
6.5
Diameter
4.2
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
4185
Launch Mass
4185
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
8S812
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ZIKH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
8S812
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.
Trump Seeks Starlink for Iran Internet, China Plans 200,000-Satellite Constellation | KeepTrack Space Brief
Trump seeks Musk's help to restore internet in Iran via Starlink. China files for 200,000-satellite constellation. Sweden allocates $1.6B for air defense and $140M for space capabilities.
X Report 1 May 2025
SpaceX launches diabetes research mission to ISS; EU considers SES for Starlink support; Amazon's Kuiper enters satellite race.
The Day When Cassini Chose the Long Way Home
Cassini's Titan T-115 encounter marked the moment the spacecraft stopped looking down and started looking sideways, trading one type of science for another as it entered the final chapter of an iconic mission.
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.
X Report 9 Jan 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX as Starshield satellites prepare for launch, Starship Flight 7 faces a short delay, and new Starlink satellites enter orbit.
X Report 15 Nov 2025
SpaceX made headlines with back-to-back Falcon 9 launches from Florida, successfully deploying 29 additional Starlink satellites, further enhancing its extensive broadband network.
Space Brief 8 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.