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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Tianzhou-1

Re-entered 22 Apr 2017

Tianzhou-1 (NORAD 42684, COSPAR 2017-021A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Apr 2017, launched on 20 Apr 2017 on the Tianzhou 1 mission. It was operated by CMSEO as part of the Tianzhou programme. The spacecraft was built by CAST on the Tianzhou bus, with a mass of 12,910 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.

2017
launched
2017
re-entered
0
years on orbit
12,910
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Apr 2017 · on the Tianzhou 1 mission
Operational22 Sep 2017 · entered service
Retired22 Sep 2017 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Apr 2017 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID42684
COSPAR2017-021A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusTianzhou
Mass12,910 kg (7,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeTianzhou
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude367 × 377 km
Inclination42.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Tianzhou-1?

Tianzhou-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Apr 2017, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2017. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Tianzhou-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Tianzhou-1 re-entered on 22 Apr 2017, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Tianzhou-1?

Tianzhou-1 was operated by CMSEO and built by CAST (CN).

Launched together

Silu-1Re-entered 2019
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.