SL-8 R/B (09899)

COSPAR: 1977-023B | Alt Name: Kosmos-3M 49-168 Stage 2
DECAYED

Image
SL-8 R/B Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 29, 1977

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC132/2

Launch Vehicle

Kosmos 11K65M

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

09899

International Designator

1977-023B

Decay Date

9/6/1979

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SL-8 R/B

Alternative Name

Kosmos-3M 49-168 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

12.2429

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.

Artemis 2 Crew First Lunar-Bound Humans Since 1972 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Crew First Lunar-Bound Humans Since 1972 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Orion carries first humans toward the Moon in 53 years. Spacecraft in good health after trans-lunar injection; lunar flyby observation plan due April 6.

X Report 26 Feb 2025

X Report 26 Feb 2025

SpaceX progresses with Starship Flight 8 preparations, completes investigation into Flight 7 mishap, and prepares for upcoming launches.

SpaceX Resumes Starlink Deployments After Satellite Issues | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Resumes Starlink Deployments After Satellite Issues | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in first deployment since recent satellite issues. Falcon 9 also delivers Italy's COSMO-SkyMed CSG-FM3 from Vandenberg. Starship plans solidified for 2026.

X Report 15 Sep 2025

X Report 15 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched Northrop Grumman's new Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft to the ISS, marking a significant advancement in cargo delivery capabilities.

Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA's SLS and Orion spacecraft rolled back to Launch Complex 39B, targeting April 1 for first crewed lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.

The Day When Cassini Chose the Long Way Home

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.

X Report 13 Nov 2024

X Report 13 Nov 2024

SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites as Starship prepares for full stack testing, amidst Musk's new governmental role.