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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

PS-2

Re-entered 14 Apr 1958

PS-2 (NORAD 3, COSPAR 1957 BET 1) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Apr 1958, launched on 3 Nov 1957. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the Sputnik programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the PS bus, with a mass of 508 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.

1957
launched
1958
re-entered
1
year on orbit
508
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Nov 1957
Operational9 Nov 1957 · entered service
Retired9 Nov 1957 · end of operational service
Re-entered14 Apr 1958 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3
COSPAR1957 BET 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB1
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB1
BusPS
Mass508 kg
ProgrammeSputnik
CategoryBIO
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude211 × 1,659 km
Inclination65.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to PS-2?

PS-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Apr 1958, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1957. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did PS-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

PS-2 re-entered on 14 Apr 1958, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built PS-2?

PS-2 was operated by OKB1 and built by OKB1 (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.