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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

GRS-B

Re-entered 22 Aug 1973

GRS-B (NORAD 6315, COSPAR 1972-100A) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Aug 1973, launched on 16 Dec 1972 on the GRS-B mission. It was operated by DFVLR as part of the GRS programme. The spacecraft was built by DORN on the Aeros bus, with a mass of 125 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
1973
re-entered
1
year on orbit
125
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched16 Dec 1972 · on the GRS-B mission
Operational22 Aug 1973 · entered service
Retired22 Aug 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Aug 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6315
COSPAR1972-100A
TypeSatellite
OperatorDFVLR
Country / StateD
ManufacturerDORN
BusAeros
Mass125 kg
ProgrammeGRS
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/S)
Altitude216 × 830 km
Inclination96.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to GRS-B?

GRS-B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Aug 1973, 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 GRS-B re-enter the atmosphere?

GRS-B re-entered on 22 Aug 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built GRS-B?

GRS-B was operated by DFVLR and built by DORN (D).

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