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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

3MS No. 52S

Re-entered 22 Jul 1973

3MS No. 52S (NORAD 6742, COSPAR 1973-047A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jul 1973, launched on 21 Jul 1973 on the 3MS No. 52S mission. It was operated by IKI / BABTS as part of the 3M programme. The spacecraft was built by NPOL on the Mars bus, with a mass of 3,440 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
3,440
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched21 Jul 1973 · on the 3MS No. 52S mission
Operational1 Feb 1974 · entered service
Retired1 Feb 1974 · end of operational service
Re-entered22 Jul 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6742
COSPAR1973-047A
TypeSatellite
OperatorIKI / BABTS
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerNPOL
BusMars
Mass3,440 kg (2,000 kg dry)
Programme3M
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination51.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to 3MS No. 52S?

3MS No. 52S re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 22 Jul 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 3MS No. 52S re-enter the atmosphere?

3MS No. 52S re-entered on 22 Jul 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built 3MS No. 52S?

3MS No. 52S was operated by IKI / BABTS and built by NPOL (SU).

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