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Zenit-2M No. 1L

Re-entered 2 Apr 1968

Zenit-2M No. 1L (NORAD 3156, COSPAR 1968-022A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1968, launched on 21 Mar 1968 on the Zenit-2M mission. It was operated by TSKBE3 as part of the Zenit-2M programme. The spacecraft was built by TSKBE3 on the Zenit-2M bus, with a mass of 2,200 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.

1968
launched
1968
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,200
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Mar 1968 · on the Zenit-2M mission
Operational2 Apr 1968 · entered service
Retired2 Apr 1968 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Apr 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3156
COSPAR1968-022A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSKBE3
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSKBE3
BusZenit-2M
Mass2,200 kg
ProgrammeZenit-2M
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude210 × 270 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-2M No. 1L?

Zenit-2M No. 1L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 1968, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1968. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Zenit-2M No. 1L re-enter the atmosphere?

Zenit-2M No. 1L re-entered on 2 Apr 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zenit-2M No. 1L?

Zenit-2M No. 1L was operated by TSKBE3 and built by TSKBE3 (SU).

Launched together

Nauka 1KS No. 1LRe-entered 1968
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.