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Rohini RS-D-1

Re-entered 8 Jun 1981

Rohini RS-D-1 (NORAD 12491, COSPAR 1981-051A) was a IN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jun 1981, launched on 31 May 1981 on the Rohini RS-D-1 mission. It was operated by ISRO as part of the Rohini programme. The spacecraft was built by ISAC on the RS bus, with a mass of 40 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.

1981
launched
1981
re-entered
0
years on orbit
40
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched31 May 1981 · on the Rohini RS-D-1 mission
Operational8 Jun 1981 · entered service
Retired8 Jun 1981 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Jun 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID12491
COSPAR1981-051A
TypeSatellite
OperatorISRO
Country / StateIN
ManufacturerISAC
BusRS
Mass40 kg
ProgrammeRohini
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude181 × 374 km
Inclination46.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Rohini RS-D-1?

Rohini RS-D-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jun 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 Rohini RS-D-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Rohini RS-D-1 re-entered on 8 Jun 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Rohini RS-D-1?

Rohini RS-D-1 was operated by ISRO and built by ISAC (IN).

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