HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesL-4S-5
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

L-4S-5

Re-entered 1 Aug 2003

L-4S-5 (NORAD 4330, COSPAR 1970-011A) was a J satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Aug 2003, launched on 11 Feb 1970 on the L-4S-5 mission. It was operated by ISAS as part of the L-4S programme. The spacecraft was built by NISS on the L-4S Satellite bus, with a mass of 9 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
2003
re-entered
33
years on orbit
9
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Feb 1970 · on the L-4S-5 mission
Operational12 Feb 1970 · entered service
Retired12 Feb 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered1 Aug 2003 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4330
COSPAR1970-011A
TypeSatellite
OperatorISAS
Country / StateJ
ManufacturerNISS
BusL-4S Satellite
Mass9 kg
ProgrammeL-4S
CategoryTECH
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude337 × 5,115 km
Inclination31.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to L-4S-5?

L-4S-5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 1 Aug 2003, 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 L-4S-5 re-enter the atmosphere?

L-4S-5 re-entered on 1 Aug 2003, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built L-4S-5?

L-4S-5 was operated by ISAS and built by NISS (J).

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