Orion No. 18L
Re-entered 28 Jan 1981Orion No. 18L (NORAD 12140, COSPAR 1981-004A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1981, launched on 16 Jan 1981 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. 18L?
Orion No. 18L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Jan 1981, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1981. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Orion No. 18L re-enter the atmosphere?
Orion No. 18L re-entered on 28 Jan 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Orion No. 18L?
Orion No. 18L was operated by VTS and built by TSSKB (SU).