Zenit-4MKM No. 85L

Re-entered 6 Sep 1977

Zenit-4MKM No. 85L (NORAD 10281, COSPAR 1977-078A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Sep 1977, launched on 24 Aug 1977 on the Zenit-4MKM mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Zenit-4MKM programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Zenit-4MK bus, with a mass of 2,400 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

years on orbit

2,400

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Aug 1977 · on the Zenit-4MKM mission

Operational6 Sep 1977 · entered service

Retired6 Sep 1977 · end of operational service

Re-entered6 Sep 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10281

COSPAR1977-078A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerTSSKB

BusZenit-4MK

Mass2,400 kg

ProgrammeZenit-4MKM

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude156 × 327 km

Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-4MKM No. 85L?

Zenit-4MKM No. 85L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Sep 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 Zenit-4MKM No. 85L re-enter the atmosphere?

Zenit-4MKM No. 85L re-entered on 6 Sep 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zenit-4MKM No. 85L?

Zenit-4MKM No. 85L 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.

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