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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

CORONA C'-5

Re-entered 12 Jul 1961

CORONA C'-5 (NORAD 108, COSPAR 1961 XI 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Jul 1961, launched on 16 Jun 1961. It was operated by AFSSD / CIA as part of the CORONA Early programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the CORONA bus, with a mass of 134 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
134
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Jun 1961
Operational19 Jun 1961 · entered service
Retired19 Jun 1961 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Jul 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID108
COSPAR1961 XI 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusCORONA
Mass134 kg
ProgrammeCORONA Early
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude223 × 362 km
Inclination82.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to CORONA C'-5?

CORONA C'-5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Jul 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 CORONA C'-5 re-enter the atmosphere?

CORONA C'-5 re-entered on 12 Jul 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built CORONA C'-5?

CORONA C'-5 was operated by AFSSD / CIA and built by LMSC (US).

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