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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

4V-1 No. 331

Re-entered 10 Jan 1969

4V-1 No. 331 (NORAD 3648, COSPAR 1969-002A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jan 1969, launched on 10 Jan 1969 on the 4V-1 No. 331 mission. It was operated by IKI / BABTS as part of the 4V-1A programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the MV bus, with a mass of 725 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.

1969
launched
1969
re-entered
0
years on orbit
725
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Jan 1969 · on the 4V-1 No. 331 mission
Operational17 May 1969 · entered service
Retired17 May 1969 · end of operational service
Re-entered10 Jan 1969 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID3648
COSPAR1969-002A
TypeSatellite
OperatorIKI / BABTS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOL
BusMV
Mass725 kg
Programme4V-1A
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination51.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to 4V-1 No. 331?

4V-1 No. 331 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jan 1969, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1969. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did 4V-1 No. 331 re-enter the atmosphere?

4V-1 No. 331 re-entered on 10 Jan 1969, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built 4V-1 No. 331?

4V-1 No. 331 was operated by IKI / BABTS and built by NPOL (SU).

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