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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Tiangong 1

Re-entered 2 Apr 2018

Tiangong 1 (NORAD 37820, COSPAR 2011-053A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 2018, launched on 29 Sep 2011 on the Tiangong 1 mission. It was operated by ZZB as part of the Tiangong programme. The spacecraft was built by CAST on the Tiangong bus, with a mass of 8,500 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
2018
re-entered
7
years on orbit
8,500
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 Sep 2011 · on the Tiangong 1 mission
Operational21 Mar 2016 · entered service
Retired21 Mar 2016 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Apr 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID37820
COSPAR2011-053A
TypeSatellite
OperatorZZB
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusTiangong
Mass8,500 kg (7,500 kg dry)
ProgrammeTiangong
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude334 × 348 km
Inclination42.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Tiangong 1?

Tiangong 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Apr 2018, 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 Tiangong 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Tiangong 1 re-entered on 2 Apr 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Tiangong 1?

Tiangong 1 was operated by ZZB and built by CAST (CN).

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