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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Apollo CM-109

Re-entered 11 Apr 1970

Apollo CM-109 (NORAD 4371, COSPAR 1970-029A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Apr 1970, launched on 11 Apr 1970 on the Apollo CM-109 mission. It was operated by MSC as part of the Apollo II programme. The spacecraft was built by NAAD on the CM bus, with a mass of 5,610 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
5,610
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Apr 1970 · on the Apollo CM-109 mission
Operational17 Apr 1970 · entered service
Retired17 Apr 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered11 Apr 1970 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4371
COSPAR1970-029A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerNAAD
BusCM
Mass5,610 kg (5,607 kg dry)
ProgrammeApollo II
CategorySS
OrbitBEO (CLO)
Altitude219 × 549,183 km
Inclination31.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Apollo CM-109?

Apollo CM-109 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 11 Apr 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 Apollo CM-109 re-enter the atmosphere?

Apollo CM-109 re-entered on 11 Apr 1970, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Apollo CM-109?

Apollo CM-109 was operated by MSC and built by NAAD (US).

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