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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

San Marco C2

Re-entered 4 May 1976

San Marco C2 (NORAD 7154, COSPAR 1974-009A) was a I satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 May 1976, launched on 18 Feb 1974 on the San Marco C2 mission. It was operated by CRS as part of the San Marco programme. The spacecraft was built by CRA on the San Marco bus, with a mass of 176 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.

1974
launched
1976
re-entered
2
years on orbit
176
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Feb 1974 · on the San Marco C2 mission
Operational4 May 1976 · entered service
Retired4 May 1976 · end of operational service
Re-entered4 May 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7154
COSPAR1974-009A
TypeSatellite
OperatorCRS
Country / StateI
ManufacturerCRA
BusSan Marco
Mass176 kg
ProgrammeSan Marco
CategorySCI
OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)
Altitude236 × 898 km
Inclination2.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to San Marco C2?

San Marco C2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 May 1976, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1974. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did San Marco C2 re-enter the atmosphere?

San Marco C2 re-entered on 4 May 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built San Marco C2?

San Marco C2 was operated by CRS and built by CRA (I).

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