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Taifun-2A (03)

Re-entered 16 Dec 1979

Taifun-2A (03) (NORAD 10501, COSPAR 1977-111A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Dec 1979, launched on 8 Dec 1977 on the Romb 4 mission. It was operated by PVO as part of the Taifun-2A programme. The spacecraft was built by YUZH on the Romb bus, with a mass of 1,045 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
1979
re-entered
2
years on orbit
1,045
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Dec 1977 · on the Romb 4 mission
Operational1 Jun 1978 · entered service
Retired1 Jun 1978 · end of operational service
Re-entered16 Dec 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10501
COSPAR1977-111A
TypeSatellite
OperatorPVO
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerYUZH
BusRomb
Mass1,045 kg (925 kg dry)
ProgrammeTaifun-2A
CategoryCAL
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude463 × 513 km
Inclination74.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Taifun-2A (03)?

Taifun-2A (03) re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Dec 1979, 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 Taifun-2A (03) re-enter the atmosphere?

Taifun-2A (03) re-entered on 16 Dec 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Taifun-2A (03)?

Taifun-2A (03) was operated by PVO and built by YUZH (SU).

Launched together

ESORe-entered 1978ESORe-entered 1978ESORe-entered 1978ESORe-entered 1978ESORe-entered 1978ESORe-entered 1978ESORe-entered 1978ESORe-entered 1978
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.