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4V-1M No. 761

Re-entered 4 Nov 1981

4V-1M No. 761 (NORAD 12938, COSPAR 1981-110A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Nov 1981, launched on 4 Nov 1981 on the 4V-1M No. 761 mission. It was operated by IKI / BABTS as part of the 4V-1 programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the Venera bus, with a mass of 2,718 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
2,718
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Nov 1981 · on the 4V-1M No. 761 mission
Operational1 Mar 1983 · entered service
Retired1 Mar 1983 · end of operational service
Re-entered4 Nov 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID12938
COSPAR1981-110A
TypeSatellite
OperatorIKI / BABTS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOL
BusVenera
Mass2,718 kg (2,500 kg dry)
Programme4V-1
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to 4V-1M No. 761?

4V-1M No. 761 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Nov 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 4V-1M No. 761 re-enter the atmosphere?

4V-1M No. 761 re-entered on 4 Nov 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built 4V-1M No. 761?

4V-1M No. 761 was operated by IKI / BABTS and built by NPOL (SU).

Launched together

4V-1 SARe-entered 1981
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.