Pioneer 11
Re-entered 6 Apr 1973Pioneer 11 (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 is catalogued as Pioneer G. 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.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Pioneer 11?
Pioneer 11 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 11 re-enter the atmosphere?
Pioneer 11 re-entered on 6 Apr 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Pioneer 11?
Pioneer 11 was operated by ARC and built by TRW (US).