HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesGermes No. 20L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Germes No. 20L

Re-entered 23 May 1974

Germes No. 20L (NORAD 7292, COSPAR 1974-030A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 May 1974, launched on 15 May 1974 on the Zenit-4MK mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Zenit-4MK programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Zenit-4MK bus, with a mass of 2,310 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
0
years on orbit
2,310
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 May 1974 · on the Zenit-4MK mission
Operational23 May 1974 · entered service
Retired23 May 1974 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 May 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7292
COSPAR1974-030A
TypeSatellite
OperatorGUKOSR
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerTSSKB
BusZenit-4MK
Mass2,310 kg
ProgrammeZenit-4MK
CategoryIMG
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude172 × 341 km
Inclination51.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Germes No. 20L?

Germes No. 20L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 May 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 Germes No. 20L re-enter the atmosphere?

Germes No. 20L re-entered on 23 May 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Germes No. 20L?

Germes No. 20L was operated by GUKOSR and built by TSSKB (SU).

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