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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GFZ-1

Re-entered 23 Jun 1999

GFZ-1 (NORAD 23558, COSPAR 1986-017JE) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 1999, launched on 9 Apr 1995 on the DOS 7 (17K No. 127-01) mission. It was operated by GFZ as part of the GFZ programme. The spacecraft was built by KTHR on the GFZ bus, with a mass of 20 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.

1995
launched
1999
re-entered
4
years on orbit
20
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Apr 1995 · on the DOS 7 (17K No. 127-01) mission
Operational19 Apr 1995 · entered service
Retired19 Apr 1995 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Jun 1999 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23558
COSPAR1986-017JE
TypeSatellite
OperatorGFZ
Country / StateD
ManufacturerKTHR
BusGFZ
Mass20 kg
ProgrammeGFZ
CategoryGEOD
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude383 × 393 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GFZ-1?

GFZ-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jun 1999, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1995. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did GFZ-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

GFZ-1 re-entered on 23 Jun 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GFZ-1?

GFZ-1 was operated by GFZ and built by KTHR (D).

Launched together

Progress 7K-TGM No. 227Re-entered 1995
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.