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Zenit-2M No. 5L

Re-entered 21 Jan 1970

Zenit-2M No. 5L (NORAD 4292, COSPAR 1970-001A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Jan 1970, launched on 9 Jan 1970 on the Zenit-2M mission. It was operated by TSUKOS as part of the Zenit-2M programme. The spacecraft was built by TSKBE3 on the Zenit-2M bus, with a mass of 2,200 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.

1970
launched
1970
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,200
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Jan 1970 · on the Zenit-2M mission
Operational21 Jan 1970 · entered service
Retired21 Jan 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered21 Jan 1970 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4292
COSPAR1970-001A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSUKOS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSKBE3
BusZenit-2M
Mass2,200 kg
ProgrammeZenit-2M
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude200 × 270 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-2M No. 5L?

Zenit-2M No. 5L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Jan 1970, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1970. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Zenit-2M No. 5L re-enter the atmosphere?

Zenit-2M No. 5L re-entered on 21 Jan 1970, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zenit-2M No. 5L?

Zenit-2M No. 5L was operated by TSUKOS and built by TSKBE3 (SU).

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