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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

San Marco C

Re-entered 29 Nov 1971

San Marco C (NORAD 5176, COSPAR 1971-036A) was a I satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Nov 1971, launched on 24 Apr 1971 on the San Marco C mission. It was operated by CRS as part of the San Marco programme. The spacecraft was built by CRA on the San Marco bus, with a mass of 180 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
1971
re-entered
0
years on orbit
180
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 Apr 1971 · on the San Marco C mission
Operational29 Nov 1971 · entered service
Retired29 Nov 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered29 Nov 1971 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5176
COSPAR1971-036A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCRS
Country / StateI
ManufacturerCRA
BusSan Marco
Mass180 kg
ProgrammeSan Marco
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)
Altitude224 × 678 km
Inclination3.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to San Marco C?

San Marco C re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 29 Nov 1971, 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 San Marco C re-enter the atmosphere?

San Marco C re-entered on 29 Nov 1971, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built San Marco C?

San Marco C was operated by CRS and built by CRA (I).

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