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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Meridian No. 12

Re-entered 23 Apr 2021

Meridian No. 12 (NORAD 35008, COSPAR 2009-029A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Apr 2021, launched on 21 May 2009 on the Meridian No. 12 mission. It was operated by RESH as part of the Meridian programme. The spacecraft was built by RESH on the Meridian bus, with a mass of 2,000 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.

2009
launched
2021
re-entered
12
years on orbit
2,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 May 2009 · on the Meridian No. 12 mission
Operational1 Feb 2020 · entered service
Retired1 Feb 2020 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Apr 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID35008
COSPAR2009-029A
TypeSatellite
OperatorRESH
Country / StateRU
ManufacturerRESH
BusMeridian
Mass2,000 kg
ProgrammeMeridian
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (GTO)
Altitude303 × 36,449 km
Inclination62.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Meridian No. 12?

Meridian No. 12 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Apr 2021, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2009. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Meridian No. 12 re-enter the atmosphere?

Meridian No. 12 re-entered on 23 Apr 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Meridian No. 12?

Meridian No. 12 was operated by RESH and built by RESH (RU).

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