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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Efir No. 2L

Re-entered 22 Jan 1986

Efir No. 2L (NORAD 16429, COSPAR 1985-120A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jan 1986, launched on 27 Dec 1985 on the Efir No. 2 mission. It was operated by TSSKB as part of the Efir programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Efir bus, with a mass of 2,400 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.

1985
launched
1986
re-entered
1
year on orbit
2,400
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Dec 1985 · on the Efir No. 2 mission
Operational22 Jan 1986 · entered service
Retired22 Jan 1986 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Jan 1986 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID16429
COSPAR1985-120A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSSKB
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSSKB
BusEfir
Mass2,400 kg
ProgrammeEfir
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude216 × 396 km
Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Efir No. 2L?

Efir No. 2L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jan 1986, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1985. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Efir No. 2L re-enter the atmosphere?

Efir No. 2L re-entered on 22 Jan 1986, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Efir No. 2L?

Efir No. 2L was operated by TSSKB and built by TSSKB (SU).

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