SL-13 R/B (09608)

COSPAR: 1976-121C | Alt Name: Proton-K 289-02 Stage 3
DECAYED

Image
SL-13 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 15, 1976

Launch Pad

LC81/24

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

09608

International Designator

1976-121C

Decay Date

12/20/1976

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-13 R/B

Alternative Name

Proton-K 289-02 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.

X Report 8 Aug 2025

X Report 8 Aug 2025

SpaceX celebrates its 100th launch of the year with a Falcon 9 mission carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites, while Crew-10 prepares for its return from the ISS and the company expands its interplanetary ambitions with new Mars partnerships.

X Report 9 Apr 2025

X Report 9 Apr 2025

SpaceX makes strides with new GPS and Starlink launches while securing major U.S. government contracts.

10 Surprising Facts About SpaceX

10 Surprising Facts About SpaceX

Discover lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's history, achievements, and innovations that have shaped the commercial space industry over the past two decades.

X Report 12 Jan 2025

X Report 12 Jan 2025

SpaceX concludes a wet dress rehearsal for Starship Flight 7, aiming for the largest rocket launch on January 15 after weather delays.

Space Brief 22 Aug 2025

Space Brief 22 Aug 2025

SpaceX's X-37B spaceplane launch, featuring advanced tech, highlights today’s space events. The launch of the first reprogrammable navigation satellite by the US Space Force is another significant milestone.

The Day America Entered the Space Age

The Day America Entered the Space Age

Sixty-seven years ago, a slender rocket carried America's first satellite into orbit, discovering a mysterious feature of our planet that would change our understanding of space forever

SpaceX Eyes $60B Cursor AI Acquisition Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Eyes $60B Cursor AI Acquisition Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX secured a $60B option to acquire Cursor AI while launching its 40th Falcon 9 mission of 2026, deploying 24 more Starlink satellites from Vandenberg.

Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS

Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encounters thruster problems and helium leaks during its first crewed mission, potentially delaying the return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station.