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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Mariner 71I

Re-entered 31 May 1971

Mariner 71I (NORAD 5261, COSPAR 1971-051A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 May 1971, launched on 30 May 1971 on the Mariner 71J mission. It was operated by JPL as part of the Mariner programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Mariner bus, with a mass of 1,031 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
1,031
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched30 May 1971 · on the Mariner 71J mission
Operational27 Oct 1972 · entered service
Retired27 Oct 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered31 May 1971 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5261
COSPAR1971-051A
TypeSatellite
OperatorJPL
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerJPL
BusMariner
Mass1,031 kg (555 kg dry)
ProgrammeMariner
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination28.7°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Mariner 71I?

Mariner 71I re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 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 Mariner 71I re-enter the atmosphere?

Mariner 71I re-entered on 31 May 1971, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Mariner 71I?

Mariner 71I was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).

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