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Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72

Re-entered 23 Feb 1996

Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72 (NORAD 23798, COSPAR 1996-011A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Feb 1996, launched on 21 Feb 1996 on the Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72 mission. It was operated by RKKE as part of the 7K-STM programme. The spacecraft was built by RKKE on the 7K-STM bus, with a mass of 2,850 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.

1996
launched
1996
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,850
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Feb 1996 · on the Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72 mission
Operational3 Sep 1996 · entered service
Retired2 Sep 1996 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Feb 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23798
COSPAR1996-011A
TypeSatellite
OperatorRKKE
Country / StateRU
ManufacturerRKKE
Bus7K-STM
Mass2,850 kg
Programme7K-STM
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude389 × 398 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72?

Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Feb 1996, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1996. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72 re-enter the atmosphere?

Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72 re-entered on 23 Feb 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72?

Soyuz 7K-STM No. 72 was operated by RKKE and built by RKKE (RU).

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