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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Shi Jian

Re-entered 17 Jun 1979

Shi Jian (NORAD 5007, COSPAR 1971-018A) was a CN satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Jun 1979, launched on 3 Mar 1971 on the shijian mission. It was operated by JGB7 as part of the SJ programme. The spacecraft was built by CAST on the DFH-1 bus, with a mass of 221 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.

1971
launched
1979
re-entered
8
years on orbit
221
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched3 Mar 1971 · on the shijian mission
Operational17 Jun 1979 · entered service
Retired17 Jun 1979 · end of operational service
Re-entered17 Jun 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5007
COSPAR1971-018A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJGB7
Country / StateCN
ManufacturerCAST
BusDFH-1
Mass221 kg
ProgrammeSJ
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude264 × 1,799 km
Inclination69.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Shi Jian?

Shi Jian re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 17 Jun 1979, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1971. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Shi Jian re-enter the atmosphere?

Shi Jian re-entered on 17 Jun 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Shi Jian?

Shi Jian was operated by JGB7 and built by CAST (CN).

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