Mech-KU No. 305

Re-entered 17 Oct 1992

Mech-KU No. 305 (NORAD 21213, COSPAR 1991-024A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Oct 1992, launched on 31 Mar 1991 on the Mech-KU No. 305 mission. It was operated by ZIKH as part of the Mech programme. The spacecraft was built by ZIKH on the Almaz bus, with a mass of 18,500 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

1992

re-entered

year on orbit

18,500

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched31 Mar 1991 · on the Mech-KU No. 305 mission

Operational17 Oct 1992 · entered service

Retired17 Oct 1992 · end of operational service

Re-entered17 Oct 1992 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID21213

COSPAR1991-024A

TypeSatellite

OperatorZIKH

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerZIKH

BusAlmaz

Mass18,500 kg

ProgrammeMech

CategoryIMG-R

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude267 × 281 km

Inclination72.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mech-KU No. 305?

Mech-KU No. 305 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Oct 1992, 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 Mech-KU No. 305 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mech-KU No. 305 re-entered on 17 Oct 1992, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mech-KU No. 305?

Mech-KU No. 305 was operated by ZIKH and built by ZIKH (SU).

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

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