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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

LK T2K No. 3

Re-entered 23 Aug 1981

LK T2K No. 3 (NORAD 5407, COSPAR 1971-069A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Aug 1981, launched on 12 Aug 1971 on the T2K No. 3 mission. It was operated by TSKBEM as part of the T2K programme. The spacecraft was built by TSKBEM on the T2K bus, with a mass of 1,170 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
1981
re-entered
10
years on orbit
1,170
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Aug 1971 · on the T2K No. 3 mission
Operational19 Aug 1971 · entered service
Retired19 Aug 1971 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Aug 1981 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID5407
COSPAR1971-069A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSKBEM
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSKBEM
BusT2K
Mass1,170 kg
ProgrammeT2K
CategorySS
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude188 × 11,777 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to LK T2K No. 3?

LK T2K No. 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Aug 1981, 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 LK T2K No. 3 re-enter the atmosphere?

LK T2K No. 3 re-entered on 23 Aug 1981, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built LK T2K No. 3?

LK T2K No. 3 was operated by TSKBEM and built by TSKBEM (SU).

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