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Zenit-2 No. 5L

Re-entered 21 Oct 1962

Zenit-2 No. 5L (NORAD 437, COSPAR 1962 B ZET 1) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Oct 1962, launched on 17 Oct 1962. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the Zenit-2 LKI programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the Zenit-2 bus, with a mass of 2,100 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.

1962
launched
1962
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,100
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Oct 1962
Operational21 Oct 1962 · entered service
Retired21 Oct 1962 · end of operational service
Re-entered21 Oct 1962 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID437
COSPAR1962 B ZET 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB1
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB1
BusZenit-2
Mass2,100 kg
ProgrammeZenit-2 LKI
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude196 × 368 km
Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-2 No. 5L?

Zenit-2 No. 5L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Oct 1962, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1962. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

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

Zenit-2 No. 5L re-entered on 21 Oct 1962, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

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

Zenit-2 No. 5L was operated by OKB1 and built by OKB1 (SU).

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