Vostok-3A No. 4

Re-entered 7 Aug 1961

Vostok-3A No. 4 (NORAD 168, COSPAR 1961 TAU 1) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Aug 1961, launched on 6 Aug 1961. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the Vostok3A programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the Vostok bus, with a mass of 2,100 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

years on orbit

2,100

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Aug 1961

Operational7 Aug 1961 · entered service

Retired7 Aug 1961 · end of operational service

Re-entered7 Aug 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID168

COSPAR1961 TAU 1

TypeSatellite

OperatorOKB1

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB1

BusVostok

Mass2,100 kg

ProgrammeVostok3A

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude172 × 218 km

Inclination64.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Vostok-3A No. 4?

Vostok-3A No. 4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Aug 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 Vostok-3A No. 4 re-enter the atmosphere?

Vostok-3A No. 4 re-entered on 7 Aug 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Vostok-3A No. 4?

Vostok-3A No. 4 was operated by OKB1 and built by OKB1 (SU).

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

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