Zenit-2M No. 9L (Bion)

Re-entered 14 Oct 1970

Zenit-2M No. 9L (Bion) (NORAD 4571, COSPAR 1970-080A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Oct 1970, launched on 8 Oct 1970 on the Zenit-2M (Bion) mission. It was operated by IMBP / GUKOSR 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

years on orbit

2,200

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched8 Oct 1970 · on the Zenit-2M (Bion) mission

Operational14 Oct 1970 · entered service

Retired14 Oct 1970 · end of operational service

Re-entered14 Oct 1970 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID4571

COSPAR1970-080A

TypeSatellite

OperatorIMBP / GUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerTSKBE3

BusZenit-2M

Mass2,200 kg

ProgrammeZenit-2M

CategorySCI

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude205 × 394 km

Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-2M No. 9L (Bion)?

Zenit-2M No. 9L (Bion) re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Oct 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. 9L (Bion) re-enter the atmosphere?

Zenit-2M No. 9L (Bion) re-entered on 14 Oct 1970, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zenit-2M No. 9L (Bion)?

Zenit-2M No. 9L (Bion) was operated by IMBP / GUKOSR and built by TSKBE3 (SU).

Launched together

Nauka 1KS No. 3LRe-entered 1970

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

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