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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Vostok-3A No. 3

Re-entered 12 Apr 1961

Vostok-3A No. 3 (NORAD 103, COSPAR 1961 MU 1) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Apr 1961, launched on 12 Apr 1961. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the Vostok3A programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the Vostok bus, with a mass of 2,125 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.

1961
launched
1961
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,125
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Apr 1961
Operational12 Apr 1961 · entered service
Retired12 Apr 1961 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Apr 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID103
COSPAR1961 MU 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB1
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB1
BusVostok
Mass2,125 kg
ProgrammeVostok3A
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude168 × 314 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Vostok-3A No. 3?

Vostok-3A No. 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Apr 1961, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1961. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Vostok-3A No. 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Vostok-3A No. 3 re-entered on 12 Apr 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Vostok-3A No. 3?

Vostok-3A No. 3 was operated by OKB1 and built by OKB1 (SU).

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