HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesShenzhou 5 orbital module
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Shenzhou 5 orbital module

Re-entered 30 May 2004

Shenzhou 5 orbital module (NORAD 28049, COSPAR 2003-045G) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 May 2004, launched on 15 Oct 2003 on the Shenzhou 5 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.

2003
launched
2004
re-entered
1
year on orbit
1,700
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Oct 2003 · on the Shenzhou 5 Fanhui Cang mission
Operational16 Mar 2004 · entered service
Retired16 Mar 2004 · end of operational service
Re-entered30 May 2004 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28049
COSPAR2003-045G
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCALT
BusShenzhou OM
Mass1,700 kg
ProgrammeShenzhou OM
CategorySS/IMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude331 × 334 km
Inclination42.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Shenzhou 5 orbital module?

Shenzhou 5 orbital module re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 30 May 2004, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2003. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Shenzhou 5 orbital module re-enter the atmosphere?

Shenzhou 5 orbital module re-entered on 30 May 2004, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Shenzhou 5 orbital module?

Shenzhou 5 orbital module was operated by CMSEO and built by CALT (CN).

Launched together

Shenzhou 5 Fanhui CangRe-entered 2003
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.