HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesShenzhou 6 orbital module
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Shenzhou 6 orbital module

Re-entered 1 Apr 2008

Shenzhou 6 orbital module (NORAD 28883, COSPAR 2005-040E) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 2008, launched on 12 Oct 2005 on the Shenzhou 6 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.

2005
launched
2008
re-entered
3
years on orbit
1,700
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Oct 2005 · on the Shenzhou 6 Fanhui Cang mission
Operational16 Oct 2005 · entered service
Retired16 Oct 2005 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Apr 2008 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID28883
COSPAR2005-040E
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCALT?
BusShenzhou OM
Mass1,700 kg
ProgrammeShenzhou OM
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude333 × 340 km
Inclination42.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Shenzhou 6 orbital module?

Shenzhou 6 orbital module re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Apr 2008, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2005. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Shenzhou 6 orbital module re-enter the atmosphere?

Shenzhou 6 orbital module re-entered on 1 Apr 2008, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Shenzhou 6 orbital module?

Shenzhou 6 orbital module was operated by CMSEO and built by CALT? (CN).

Launched together

Shenzhou 6 Fanhui CangRe-entered 2005
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.