Luna-14

Re-entered 10 Apr 1968

Luna-14 (NORAD 3178, COSPAR 1968-027A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Apr 1968, launched on 7 Apr 1968 on the E-6LS No. 113 mission. It is catalogued as E-6LS No. 113. It was operated by IKI / Babakin as part of the E-6LS programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the E-6 DU bus, with a mass of 1,388 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

years on orbit

1,388

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched7 Apr 1968 · on the E-6LS No. 113 mission

Operational24 Jun 1968 · entered service

Retired24 Jun 1968 · end of operational service

Re-entered10 Apr 1968 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3178

COSPAR1968-027A

TypeSatellite

OperatorIKI / Babakin

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerNPOL

BusE-6 DU

Mass1,388 kg (1,368 kg dry)

ProgrammeE-6LS

CategoryPLAN

OrbitBEO (CLO)

Altitude200 × 500,000 km

Inclination51.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Luna-14?

Luna-14 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 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 Luna-14 re-enter the atmosphere?

Luna-14 re-entered on 10 Apr 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Luna-14?

Luna-14 was operated by IKI / Babakin and built by NPOL (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-10-21.

Browse the live satellite directory → The Orbital Register → Launch record: E-6LS No. 113 → What is space debris? →