Space Brief 8 May 2025
Today we cover new appointments at NASA, calls for increased Space Force funding, and a successful test of a hypersonic vehicle. Further investigations target SpaceX, and a documentary highlights space superiority.
Launch Date
May 12, 1976
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
08844
International Designator
1976-041D
Decay Date
5/5/1990
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-L
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
2.7
Diameter
2.5
Span
2.7
Dry Mass
1000
Launch Mass
4500
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
15.9009
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Blok-L
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NPOE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-L
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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