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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Tianwen-1

Re-entered 23 Jul 2020

Tianwen-1 (NORAD 45935, COSPAR 2020-049A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jul 2020, launched on 23 Jul 2020 on the Tianwen-1 mission. It was operated by LDSE / CAST as part of the Tianwen programme. The spacecraft was built by SAST on the Tianwen bus, with a mass of 3,175 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.

2020
launched
2020
re-entered
0
years on orbit
3,175
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Jul 2020 · on the Tianwen-1 mission
Operational1 Jan 2023 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2023 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Jul 2020 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID45935
COSPAR2020-049A
TypeSatellite
OperatorLDSE / CAST
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerSAST
BusTianwen
Mass3,175 kg (1,645 kg dry)
ProgrammeTianwen
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude177 × -79,757 km
Inclination29.4°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Tianwen-1?

Tianwen-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Jul 2020, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2020. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Tianwen-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Tianwen-1 re-entered on 23 Jul 2020, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Tianwen-1?

Tianwen-1 was operated by LDSE / CAST and built by SAST (CN).

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