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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Taifun-1A

Re-entered 30 Dec 1988

Taifun-1A (NORAD 18668, COSPAR 1987-103A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Dec 1988, launched on 15 Dec 1987 on the Vektor mission. It was operated by PVO as part of the Vektor2 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.

1987
launched
1988
re-entered
1
year on orbit
570
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Dec 1987 · on the Vektor mission
Operational1 Jan 1988 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1988 · end of operational service
Re-entered30 Dec 1988 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID18668
COSPAR1987-103A
TypeSatellite
OperatorPVO
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerYUZH
BusVektor
Mass570 kg
ProgrammeVektor2
CategoryCAL
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude363 × 410 km
Inclination65.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Taifun-1A?

Taifun-1A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 Dec 1988, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1987. 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 30 Dec 1988, 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.