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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Tianzhou-2

Re-entered 29 May 2021

Tianzhou-2 (NORAD 48803, COSPAR 2021-046A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 May 2021, launched on 29 May 2021 on the Tianzhou 2 mission. It was operated by CMSEO as part of the Tianzhou programme. The spacecraft was built by CAST on the Tianzhou bus, with a mass of 7,810 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.

2021
launched
2021
re-entered
0
years on orbit
7,810
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched29 May 2021 · on the Tianzhou 2 mission
Operational31 Mar 2022 · entered service
Retired31 Mar 2022 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 May 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID48803
COSPAR2021-046A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusTianzhou
Mass7,810 kg (7,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeTianzhou
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude377 × 387 km
Inclination41.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Tianzhou-2?

Tianzhou-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 May 2021, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2021. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Tianzhou-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

Tianzhou-2 re-entered on 29 May 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Tianzhou-2?

Tianzhou-2 was operated by CMSEO and built by CAST (CN).

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