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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Shenzhou 3 orbital module

Re-entered 12 Nov 2002

Shenzhou 3 orbital module (NORAD 27408, COSPAR 2002-014C) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Nov 2002, launched on 25 Mar 2002 on the Shenzhou 3 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.

2002
launched
2002
re-entered
0
years on orbit
1,700
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched25 Mar 2002 · on the Shenzhou 3 Fanhui Cang mission
Operational12 Nov 2002 · entered service
Retired12 Nov 2002 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Nov 2002 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID27408
COSPAR2002-014C
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCALT
BusShenzhou OM
Mass1,700 kg
ProgrammeShenzhou OM
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude330 × 340 km
Inclination42.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Shenzhou 3 orbital module?

Shenzhou 3 orbital module re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Nov 2002, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2002. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Shenzhou 3 orbital module re-enter the atmosphere?

Shenzhou 3 orbital module re-entered on 12 Nov 2002, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Shenzhou 3 orbital module?

Shenzhou 3 orbital module was operated by CMSEO and built by CALT (CN).

Launched together

Shenzhou 3 Fanhui CangRe-entered 2002
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.