Meteor (M) No. 21L
Re-entered 10 Jan 1991Meteor (M) No. 21L (NORAD 5142, COSPAR 1971-031A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jan 1991, launched on 17 Apr 1971 on the Meteor-M No. 21 (71) mission. It was operated by GUKOSR / GMS as part of the Meteor C programme. The spacecraft was built by VNIEM on the Meteor bus, with a mass of 1,280 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Meteor (M) No. 21L?
Meteor (M) No. 21L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Jan 1991, 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 Meteor (M) No. 21L re-enter the atmosphere?
Meteor (M) No. 21L re-entered on 10 Jan 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Meteor (M) No. 21L?
Meteor (M) No. 21L was operated by GUKOSR / GMS and built by VNIEM (SU).