HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIkar No. 33L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Ikar No. 33L

Re-entered 7 Feb 2026

Ikar No. 33L (NORAD 12785, COSPAR 1981-082A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 2026, launched on 24 Aug 1981 on the Tselina-D mission. It was operated by GRU as part of the Tselina-D programme. The spacecraft was built by YUZH on the Tselina-D bus, with a mass of 1,750 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
2026
re-entered
45
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Aug 1981 · on the Tselina-D mission
Operational1 Jan 1983 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1983 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Feb 2026 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID12785
COSPAR1981-082A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGRU
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerYUZH
BusTselina-D
Mass1,750 kg
ProgrammeTselina-D
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude606 × 631 km
Inclination82.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Ikar No. 33L?

Ikar No. 33L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 2026, 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 Ikar No. 33L re-enter the atmosphere?

Ikar No. 33L re-entered on 7 Feb 2026, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Ikar No. 33L?

Ikar No. 33L was operated by GRU and built by YUZH (SU).

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