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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

CORONA C'-6

Re-entered 5 Dec 1961

CORONA C'-6 (NORAD 160, COSPAR 1961 PI) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Dec 1961, launched on 7 Jul 1961. It was operated by AFSSD / CIA as part of the CORONA Early programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the CORONA bus, with a mass of 135 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.

1961
launched
1961
re-entered
0
years on orbit
135
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Jul 1961
Operational10 Jul 1961 · entered service
Retired10 Jul 1961 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Dec 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID160
COSPAR1961 PI
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD / CIA
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusCORONA
Mass135 kg
ProgrammeCORONA Early
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude229 × 713 km
Inclination82.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to CORONA C'-6?

CORONA C'-6 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Dec 1961, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1961. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did CORONA C'-6 re-enter the atmosphere?

CORONA C'-6 re-entered on 5 Dec 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built CORONA C'-6?

CORONA C'-6 was operated by AFSSD / CIA and built by LMSC (US).

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