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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

SA 4V-1

Re-entered 10 May 2025

SA 4V-1 (NORAD 6073, COSPAR 1972-023E) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 May 2025, launched on 31 Mar 1972 on the 4V-1 No. 671 mission. It was operated by IKI / BABTS as part of the 4V-1A SA programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the MV SA bus, with a mass of 475 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
2025
re-entered
53
years on orbit
475
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched31 Mar 1972 · on the 4V-1 No. 671 mission
Operational31 Mar 1972 · entered service
Retired31 Mar 1972 · end of operational service
Re-entered10 May 2025 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6073
COSPAR1972-023E
TypeSatellite
OperatorIKI / BABTS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOL
BusMV SA
Mass475 kg
Programme4V-1A SA
CategoryPLAN
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude210 × 9,710 km
Inclination52.1°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SA 4V-1?

SA 4V-1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 May 2025, 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 SA 4V-1 re-enter the atmosphere?

SA 4V-1 re-entered on 10 May 2025, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SA 4V-1?

SA 4V-1 was operated by IKI / BABTS and built by NPOL (SU).

Launched together

4V-1 No. 671Re-entered 1981
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.