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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DOS-3

Re-entered 22 May 1973

DOS-3 (NORAD 6498, COSPAR 1973-026A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 May 1973, launched on 11 May 1973 on the DOS 3 mission. It was operated by TSKBEM as part of the DOS programme. The spacecraft was built by ZIKH on the Almaz bus, with a mass of 18,500 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
18,500
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 May 1973 · on the DOS 3 mission
Operational11 May 1973 · entered service
Retired11 May 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 May 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6498
COSPAR1973-026A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSKBEM
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerZIKH
BusAlmaz
Mass18,500 kg
ProgrammeDOS
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude208 × 237 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DOS-3?

DOS-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 May 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 DOS-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

DOS-3 re-entered on 22 May 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DOS-3?

DOS-3 was operated by TSKBEM and built by ZIKH (SU).

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