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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Shenzhou 1 orbital module

Re-entered 1 Dec 1999

Shenzhou 1 orbital module (NORAD 25960, COSPAR 1999-061E) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Dec 1999, launched on 19 Nov 1999 on the Shenzhou 1 Fanhui Cang mission. It was operated by CMSEO as part of the Shenzhou OM programme. The spacecraft was built by CALT on the Shenzhou OM bus, with a mass of 1,700 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.

1999
launched
1999
re-entered
0
years on orbit
1,700
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 Nov 1999 · on the Shenzhou 1 Fanhui Cang mission
Operational1 Dec 1999 · entered service
Retired1 Dec 1999 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Dec 1999 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID25960
COSPAR1999-061E
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCALT
BusShenzhou OM
Mass1,700 kg
ProgrammeShenzhou OM
CategoryIMG?
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude195 × 318 km
Inclination42.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Shenzhou 1 orbital module?

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

When did Shenzhou 1 orbital module re-enter the atmosphere?

Shenzhou 1 orbital module re-entered on 1 Dec 1999, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Shenzhou 1 orbital module?

Shenzhou 1 orbital module was operated by CMSEO and built by CALT (CN).

Launched together

Shenzhou 1 Fanhui CangRe-entered 1999
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.