HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesGektor No. 97L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Gektor No. 97L

Re-entered 13 Apr 1979

Gektor No. 97L (NORAD 11313, COSPAR 1979-027A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Apr 1979, launched on 31 Mar 1979 on the Zenit-2M mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Zenit-2M programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Zenit-2M 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.

1979
launched
1979
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,200
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched31 Mar 1979 · on the Zenit-2M mission
Operational13 Apr 1979 · entered service
Retired13 Apr 1979 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Apr 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11313
COSPAR1979-027A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSSKB
BusZenit-2M
Mass2,200 kg
ProgrammeZenit-2M
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude200 × 324 km
Inclination72.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Gektor No. 97L?

Gektor No. 97L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Apr 1979, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1979. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Gektor No. 97L re-enter the atmosphere?

Gektor No. 97L re-entered on 13 Apr 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Gektor No. 97L?

Gektor No. 97L was operated by GUKOSR and built by TSSKB (SU).

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