HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesE-2A
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

E-2A

Re-entered 4 Oct 1959

E-2A (NORAD 21, COSPAR 1959 THE 1) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Oct 1959, launched on 4 Oct 1959. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the Luna programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the E-2A bus, with a mass of 278 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.

1959
launched
1959
re-entered
0
years on orbit
278
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched4 Oct 1959
Operational15 Nov 1959 · entered service
Retired15 Nov 1959 · end of operational service
Re-entered4 Oct 1959 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID21
COSPAR1959 THE 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB1
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB1
BusE-2A
Mass278 kg
ProgrammeLuna
CategoryPLAN
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude-630 × 516,120 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to E-2A?

E-2A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Oct 1959, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1959. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did E-2A re-enter the atmosphere?

E-2A re-entered on 4 Oct 1959, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built E-2A?

E-2A 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.