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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Pioneer Venus 1

Re-entered 20 May 1978

Pioneer Venus 1 (NORAD 10911, COSPAR 1978-051A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 May 1978, launched on 20 May 1978 on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter mission. It was operated by ARC as part of the Pioneer Venus programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-507 bus, with a mass of 394 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.

1978
launched
1978
re-entered
0
years on orbit
394
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 May 1978 · on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter mission
Operational22 Oct 1992 · entered service
Retired22 Oct 1992 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 May 1978 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10911
COSPAR1978-051A
TypeSatellite
OperatorARC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusHS-507
Mass394 kg (182 kg dry)
ProgrammePioneer Venus
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude170 × -52,200 km
Inclination28.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Pioneer Venus 1?

Pioneer Venus 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 May 1978, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1978. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Pioneer Venus 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Pioneer Venus 1 re-entered on 20 May 1978, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Pioneer Venus 1?

Pioneer Venus 1 was operated by ARC and built by HSES (US).

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