INTELSAT IV F5

Re-entered 18 Jul 2001

INTELSAT IV F5 (NORAD 6052, COSPAR 1972-041A) was a I-INT satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, launched on 13 Jun 1972 on the INTELSAT IV F5 mission. It was operated by INTEL as part of the Int4 programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the HS-312 bus, with a mass of 674 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.

1972

launched

2001

re-entered

years on orbit

674

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched13 Jun 1972 · on the INTELSAT IV F5 mission

Operational1 Jul 1983 · entered service

Retired1 Jul 1983 · end of operational service

Re-entered18 Jul 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6052

COSPAR1972-041A

TypeSatellite

OperatorINTEL

Country / StateI-INT

ManufacturerHSES

BusHS-312

Mass674 kg (539 kg dry)

ProgrammeInt4

CategoryCOM

OrbitGEO (GEO/S)

Altitude35,786 × 35,788 km

Inclination0.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to INTELSAT IV F5?

INTELSAT IV F5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 18 Jul 2001, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1972. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did INTELSAT IV F5 re-enter the atmosphere?

INTELSAT IV F5 re-entered on 18 Jul 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built INTELSAT IV F5?

INTELSAT IV F5 was operated by INTEL and built by HSES (I-INT).

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

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