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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mars-2

Re-entered 20 May 1971

Mars-2 (NORAD 5234, COSPAR 1971-045A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 May 1971, launched on 19 May 1971 on the 4M No. 171 mission. It is catalogued as 4M No. 171. It was operated by IKI / Babakin as part of the 3M programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the Mars bus, with a mass of 3,440 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
3,440
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched19 May 1971 · on the 4M No. 171 mission
Operational22 Aug 1972 · entered service
Retired22 Aug 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered20 May 1971 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5234
COSPAR1971-045A
TypeSatellite
OperatorIKI / Babakin
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOL
BusMars
Mass3,440 kg (2,350 kg dry)
Programme3M
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination51.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mars-2?

Mars-2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 20 May 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 Mars-2 re-enter the atmosphere?

Mars-2 re-entered on 20 May 1971, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mars-2?

Mars-2 was operated by IKI / Babakin and built by NPOL (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-10-21.