Orion No. 15L
Re-entered 10 Jan 1979Orion No. 15L (NORAD 11173, COSPAR 1978-124A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jan 1979, launched on 28 Dec 1978 on the Orion mission. It was operated by VTS as part of the Orion programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Zenit-4MT bus, with a mass of 2,200 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Orion No. 15L?
Orion No. 15L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jan 1979, 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 Orion No. 15L re-enter the atmosphere?
Orion No. 15L re-entered on 10 Jan 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Orion No. 15L?
Orion No. 15L was operated by VTS and built by TSSKB (SU).