SL-3 R/B (00096)

COSPAR: 1961-009B | Alt Name: Vostok 8K72 No. 15 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
SL-3 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 25, 1961

Launch Pad

LC1

Launch Vehicle

Vostok 8K72

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

00096

International Designator

1961-009B

Decay Date

3/26/1961

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-3 R/B

Alternative Name

Vostok 8K72 No. 15 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

3.8

Diameter

2.6

Span

3.8

Dry Mass

1440

Launch Mass

1440

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

8K72KE No. E103-15

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

PROG

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Blok-E

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.

Space Brief 12 Nov 2025

Space Brief 12 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers China's ongoing assessments following a potential debris strike on Shenzhou-20, SpaceX's record-breaking Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's delay of the Neutron rocket, and more.

Starship Flight 13 to Debut First Starlink V3 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

Starship Flight 13 to Debut First Starlink V3 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 for July 16 launch to deploy first Starlink V3 satellites as Falcon 9 logs its 600th booster reuse.

Space Brief 21 Nov 2024

Space Brief 21 Nov 2024

Today's brief covers influential space events including Space Force's interest in Starship, U.S. military constellation advancements, and technological developments in counter-drone capabilities.

X Report 10 Dec 2025

X Report 10 Dec 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones in satellite launches and contemplates a historic IPO while actively participating in the competitive landscape of space technology and services.

X Report 25 Nov 2025

X Report 25 Nov 2025

In today's report, we explore the latest updates from SpaceX's ongoing launch initiatives, Starship progress, and emerging competition in satellite internet, highlighting a new contender that could challenge Starlink's dominance.

The Rise of Super Heavy-Lift Rockets

The Rise of Super Heavy-Lift Rockets

Super heavy-lift rockets are the most powerful launch vehicles ever built. They can send humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But what are they, and why are they so important?

X Report 12 Nov 2024

X Report 12 Nov 2024

SpaceX prepares for a monumental sixth Starship test flight while achieving a historic Falcon 9 booster landing. Meanwhile, a Starlink satellite lights up the night sky as it reenters Earth's atmosphere.

Space Brief 20 Sep 2025

Space Brief 20 Sep 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.