HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesE-1 No. 4
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

E-1 No. 4

Re-entered 3 Jan 1959

E-1 No. 4 (NORAD 112, COSPAR 1959 MU 1) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Jan 1959, launched on 2 Jan 1959. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the Luna programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the E-1 bus, with a mass of 205 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.

1959
launched
1959
re-entered
0
years on orbit
205
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Jan 1959
Operational5 Jan 1959 · entered service
Retired5 Jan 1959 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Jan 1959 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID112
COSPAR1959 MU 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB1
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB1
BusE-1
Mass205 kg
ProgrammeLuna
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude-370 × -242,160 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to E-1 No. 4?

E-1 No. 4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Jan 1959, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1959. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did E-1 No. 4 re-enter the atmosphere?

E-1 No. 4 re-entered on 3 Jan 1959, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built E-1 No. 4?

E-1 No. 4 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.