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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Tianzhou-3

Re-entered 20 Sep 2021

Tianzhou-3 (NORAD 49222, COSPAR 2021-085A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Sep 2021, launched on 20 Sep 2021 on the Tianzhou 3 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 7,220 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
7,220
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Sep 2021 · on the Tianzhou 3 mission
Operational27 Jul 2022 · entered service
Retired27 Jul 2022 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 Sep 2021 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID49222
COSPAR2021-085A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCMSEO
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusTianzhou
Mass7,220 kg (6,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeTianzhou
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude380 × 386 km
Inclination41.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Tianzhou-3?

Tianzhou-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 Sep 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-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Tianzhou-3 re-entered on 20 Sep 2021, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Tianzhou-3?

Tianzhou-3 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.