E-6 No. 4

Re-entered 3 Apr 1963

E-6 No. 4 (NORAD 566, COSPAR 1963-008B) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 1963, launched on 2 Apr 1963 on the E-6 No. 4 mission. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the E-6 programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the E-6 DU bus, with a mass of 1,240 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.

1963

launched

1963

re-entered

years on orbit

1,240

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Apr 1963 · on the E-6 No. 4 mission

Operational15 Apr 1963 · entered service

Retired15 Apr 1963 · end of operational service

Re-entered3 Apr 1963 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID566

COSPAR1963-008B

TypeSatellite

OperatorOKB1

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerOKB1

BusE-6 DU

Mass1,240 kg (500 kg dry)

ProgrammeE-6

CategoryPLAN

OrbitBEO (CLO)

Altitude200 × 694,000 km

Inclination65.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to E-6 No. 4?

E-6 No. 4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Apr 1963, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1963. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did E-6 No. 4 re-enter the atmosphere?

E-6 No. 4 re-entered on 3 Apr 1963, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built E-6 No. 4?

E-6 No. 4 was operated by OKB1 and built by OKB1 (SU).

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

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: E-6 No. 4 → What is space debris? →