HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesOrion No. 5L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Orion No. 5L

Re-entered 28 Dec 1973

Orion No. 5L (NORAD 6979, COSPAR 1973-102A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Dec 1973, launched on 17 Dec 1973 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.

1973
launched
1973
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,200
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched17 Dec 1973 · on the Zenit-4MT mission
Operational28 Dec 1973 · entered service
Retired28 Dec 1973 · end of operational service
Re-entered28 Dec 1973 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID6979
COSPAR1973-102A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSKBE3
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSKBE3
BusZenit-4MT
Mass2,200 kg
ProgrammeOrion
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude204 × 330 km
Inclination72.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Orion No. 5L?

Orion No. 5L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 28 Dec 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 Orion No. 5L re-enter the atmosphere?

Orion No. 5L re-entered on 28 Dec 1973, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Orion No. 5L?

Orion No. 5L 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.