HomeLibraryRe-entered Satellites4V-1 No. 631
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

4V-1 No. 631

Re-entered 6 Nov 1970

4V-1 No. 631 (NORAD 4501, COSPAR 1970-065A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Nov 1970, launched on 22 Aug 1970 on the 4V-1 No. 631 mission. It was operated by IKI / BABTS as part of the 4V-1A programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the MV bus, with a mass of 680 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
680
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Aug 1970 · on the 4V-1 No. 631 mission
Operational22 Aug 1970 · entered service
Retired22 Aug 1970 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Nov 1970 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4501
COSPAR1970-065A
TypeSatellite
OperatorIKI / BABTS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOL
BusMV
Mass680 kg (650 kg dry)
Programme4V-1A
CategoryPLAN/RV
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude203 × 685 km
Inclination51.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to 4V-1 No. 631?

4V-1 No. 631 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Nov 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 4V-1 No. 631 re-enter the atmosphere?

4V-1 No. 631 re-entered on 6 Nov 1970, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built 4V-1 No. 631?

4V-1 No. 631 was operated by IKI / BABTS and built by NPOL (SU).

Launched together

SA 4V-1Re-entered 1971
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.