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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Pioneer G

Re-entered 6 Apr 1973

Pioneer G (NORAD 6421, COSPAR 1973-019A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Apr 1973, launched on 6 Apr 1973 on the Pioneer G mission. It was operated by ARC as part of the Pioneer J programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the Pioneer F bus, with a mass of 270 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.

1973
launched
1973
re-entered
0
years on orbit
270
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Apr 1973 · on the Pioneer G mission
Operational1 Nov 1995 · entered service
Retired1 Nov 1995 · end of operational service
Re-entered6 Apr 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6421
COSPAR1973-019A
TypeSatellite
OperatorARC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusPioneer F
Mass270 kg (243 kg dry)
ProgrammePioneer J
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude229 × -22,043 km
Inclination34.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Pioneer G?

Pioneer G re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Apr 1973, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1973. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Pioneer G re-enter the atmosphere?

Pioneer G re-entered on 6 Apr 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Pioneer G?

Pioneer G was operated by ARC and built by TRW (US).

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