Kosmos-917

Re-entered 4 Jan 2023

Kosmos-917 (NORAD 10059, COSPAR 1977-047A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Jan 2023, launched on 16 Jun 1977 on the Oko mission. It is catalogued as US-K 5V95 No. 3001 (TV). It was operated by PVO as part of the Oko B programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL/KOMET on the Oko bus, with a mass of 1,250 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1977

launched

2023

re-entered

years on orbit

1,250

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Jun 1977 · on the Oko mission

Operational30 Mar 1979 · entered service

Retired30 Mar 1979 · end of operational service

Re-entered4 Jan 2023 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10059

COSPAR1977-047A

TypeSatellite

OperatorPVO

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerNPOL/KOMET

BusOko

Mass1,250 kg (1,150 kg dry)

ProgrammeOko B

CategoryEW

OrbitHEO (HEO/M)

Altitude621 × 39,725 km

Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Kosmos-917?

Kosmos-917 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Jan 2023, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1977. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Kosmos-917 re-enter the atmosphere?

Kosmos-917 re-entered on 4 Jan 2023, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Kosmos-917?

Kosmos-917 was operated by PVO and built by NPOL/KOMET (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-10-05.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Oko → What is space debris? →