Kosmos-640

Re-entered 23 Apr 1974

Kosmos-640 (NORAD 7245, COSPAR 1974-021A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Apr 1974, launched on 11 Apr 1974 on the Zenit-2M mission. It is catalogued as Gektor No. 52L. It was operated by GUKOS RVSN as part of the Zenit-2M programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Zenit-2M 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.

1974

launched

1974

re-entered

years on orbit

2,200

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Apr 1974 · on the Zenit-2M mission

Operational23 Apr 1974 · entered service

Retired23 Apr 1974 · end of operational service

Re-entered23 Apr 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7245

COSPAR1974-021A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOS RVSN

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerTSSKB

BusZenit-2M

Mass2,200 kg

ProgrammeZenit-2M

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude197 × 222 km

Inclination81.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Kosmos-640?

Kosmos-640 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Apr 1974, 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 Kosmos-640 re-enter the atmosphere?

Kosmos-640 re-entered on 23 Apr 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Kosmos-640?

Kosmos-640 was operated by GUKOS RVSN and built by TSSKB (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-10-05.

Browse the live satellite directory → Re-entered satellites archive → Launch record: Zenit-2M → What is space debris? →