HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesUS-PU No. 4L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

US-PU No. 4L

Re-entered 28 Mar 1993

US-PU No. 4L (NORAD 21065, COSPAR 1991-005A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Mar 1993, launched on 18 Jan 1991 on the US-PU mission. It was operated by VMF as part of the US-PU programme. The spacecraft was built by ARSL/KOMET on the US-P bus, with a mass of 3,300 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.

1991
launched
1993
re-entered
2
years on orbit
3,300
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Jan 1991 · on the US-PU mission
Operational4 Mar 1993 · entered service
Retired4 Mar 1993 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Mar 1993 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID21065
COSPAR1991-005A
TypeSatellite
OperatorVMF
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerARSL/KOMET
BusUS-P
Mass3,300 kg (3,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeUS-PU
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude403 × 417 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to US-PU No. 4L?

US-PU No. 4L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Mar 1993, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1991. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did US-PU No. 4L re-enter the atmosphere?

US-PU No. 4L re-entered on 28 Mar 1993, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built US-PU No. 4L?

US-PU No. 4L was operated by VMF and built by ARSL/KOMET (SU).

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