HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesGermes No. 81L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Germes No. 81L

Re-entered 5 Jul 1977

Germes No. 81L (NORAD 10086, COSPAR 1977-052A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jul 1977, launched on 22 Jun 1977 on the Zenit-4MK mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Zenit-4MK programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Zenit-4MK bus, with a mass of 2,310 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
1977
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,310
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Jun 1977 · on the Zenit-4MK mission
Operational5 Jul 1977 · entered service
Retired5 Jul 1977 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Jul 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10086
COSPAR1977-052A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSSKB
BusZenit-4MK
Mass2,310 kg
ProgrammeZenit-4MK
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude168 × 319 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Germes No. 81L?

Germes No. 81L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jul 1977, 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 Germes No. 81L re-enter the atmosphere?

Germes No. 81L re-entered on 5 Jul 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Germes No. 81L?

Germes No. 81L was operated by GUKOSR and built by TSSKB (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.