HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesTaifun-1A
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Taifun-1A

Re-entered 3 Apr 1989

Taifun-1A (NORAD 12852, COSPAR 1981-095A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 1989, launched on 23 Sep 1981 on the Vektor mission. It was operated by PVO as part of the Vektor1 programme. The spacecraft was built by YUZH on the Vektor bus, with a mass of 570 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
1989
re-entered
8
years on orbit
570
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Sep 1981 · on the Vektor mission
Operational1 Jan 1983 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1983 · end of operational service
Re-entered3 Apr 1989 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID12852
COSPAR1981-095A
TypeSatellite
OperatorPVO
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerYUZH
BusVektor
Mass570 kg
ProgrammeVektor1
CategoryCAL
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude474 × 517 km
Inclination65.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Taifun-1A?

Taifun-1A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 1989, 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 Taifun-1A re-enter the atmosphere?

Taifun-1A re-entered on 3 Apr 1989, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Taifun-1A?

Taifun-1A was operated by PVO and built by YUZH (SU).

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