RadioAstron

Re-entered 18 Jul 2011

RadioAstron (NORAD 37755, COSPAR 2011-037A) was a RU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2011, launched on 18 Jul 2011 on the RadioAstron mission. It was operated by BABTS / FIAN as part of the Spektr programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the Navigator bus, with a mass of 3,660 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.

2011

launched

2011

re-entered

years on orbit

3,660

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Jul 2011 · on the RadioAstron mission

Operational1 Jan 2019 · entered service

Retired1 Mar 2019 · end of operational service

Re-entered18 Jul 2011 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID37755

COSPAR2011-037A

TypeSatellite

OperatorBABTS / FIAN

Country / StateRU

ManufacturerNPOL

BusNavigator

Mass3,660 kg (3,160 kg dry)

ProgrammeSpektr

CategoryAST

OrbitBEO (CLO)

Altitude1,248 × 334,727 km

Inclination51.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to RadioAstron?

RadioAstron re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2011, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2011. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did RadioAstron re-enter the atmosphere?

RadioAstron re-entered on 18 Jul 2011, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was RadioAstron operational?

RadioAstron was operational for roughly 2 months, from 1 Jan 2019 to 1 Mar 2019.

Who operated and built RadioAstron?

RadioAstron was operated by BABTS / FIAN and built by NPOL (RU).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: RadioAstron → What is space debris? →