HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesZenit-4MT No. 3L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Zenit-4MT No. 3L

Re-entered 8 Jan 1973

Zenit-4MT No. 3L (NORAD 6326, COSPAR 1972-105A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jan 1973, launched on 27 Dec 1972 on the Zenit-4MT mission. It was operated by TSKBE3 as part of the Orion programme. The spacecraft was built by TSKBE3 on the Zenit-4MT bus, with a mass of 2,200 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
2,200
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched27 Dec 1972 · on the Zenit-4MT mission
Operational8 Jan 1973 · entered service
Retired8 Jan 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Jan 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6326
COSPAR1972-105A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSKBE3
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSKBE3
BusZenit-4MT
Mass2,200 kg
ProgrammeOrion
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude216 × 346 km
Inclination81.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-4MT No. 3L?

Zenit-4MT No. 3L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Jan 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 Zenit-4MT No. 3L re-enter the atmosphere?

Zenit-4MT No. 3L re-entered on 8 Jan 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zenit-4MT No. 3L?

Zenit-4MT No. 3L was operated by TSKBE3 and built by TSKBE3 (SU).

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