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Zenit-4MK No. 1L

Re-entered 5 Jan 1970

Zenit-4MK No. 1L (NORAD 4280, COSPAR 1969-109A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jan 1970, launched on 23 Dec 1969 on the Zenit-4MK mission. It was operated by TSKBE3 as part of the Zenit-4MK programme. The spacecraft was built by TSKBE3 on the Zenit-4MK bus, with a mass of 2,310 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
1970
re-entered
1
year on orbit
2,310
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Dec 1969 · on the Zenit-4MK mission
Operational5 Jan 1970 · entered service
Retired5 Jan 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered5 Jan 1970 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4280
COSPAR1969-109A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSKBE3
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSKBE3
BusZenit-4MK
Mass2,310 kg
ProgrammeZenit-4MK
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude191 × 279 km
Inclination65.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-4MK No. 1L?

Zenit-4MK No. 1L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 5 Jan 1970, 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 Zenit-4MK No. 1L re-enter the atmosphere?

Zenit-4MK No. 1L re-entered on 5 Jan 1970, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zenit-4MK No. 1L?

Zenit-4MK No. 1L was operated by TSKBE3 and built by TSKBE3 (SU).

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