Progress 7K-TGM No. 231

Re-entered 7 May 1996

Progress 7K-TGM No. 231 (NORAD 23860, COSPAR 1996-028A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 May 1996, launched on 5 May 1996 on the Progress 7K-TGM No. 231 mission. It was operated by RKKE as part of the Progress M programme. The spacecraft was built by RKKE on the 7K-TGM bus, with a mass of 7,140 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

years on orbit

7,140

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 May 1996 · on the Progress 7K-TGM No. 231 mission

Operational1 Aug 1996 · entered service

Retired1 Aug 1996 · end of operational service

Re-entered7 May 1996 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID23860

COSPAR1996-028A

TypeSatellite

OperatorRKKE

Country / StateRU

ManufacturerRKKE

Bus7K-TGM

Mass7,140 kg (4,300 kg dry)

ProgrammeProgress M

CategorySS

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude389 × 396 km

Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Progress 7K-TGM No. 231?

Progress 7K-TGM No. 231 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 May 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 Progress 7K-TGM No. 231 re-enter the atmosphere?

Progress 7K-TGM No. 231 re-entered on 7 May 1996, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Progress 7K-TGM No. 231?

Progress 7K-TGM No. 231 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.

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