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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

UK 5

Re-entered 14 Mar 1980

UK 5 (NORAD 7471, COSPAR 1974-077A) was a UK satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Mar 1980, launched on 15 Oct 1974 on the UK 5 mission. It was operated by SRC as part of the UK programme. The spacecraft was built by BAC on the UK 5 bus, with a mass of 135 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
1980
re-entered
6
years on orbit
135
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Oct 1974 · on the UK 5 mission
Operational14 Mar 1980 · entered service
Retired14 Mar 1980 · end of operational service
Re-entered14 Mar 1980 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7471
COSPAR1974-077A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSRC
Country / StateUK
ManufacturerBAC
BusUK 5
Mass135 kg
ProgrammeUK
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)
Altitude506 × 552 km
Inclination2.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to UK 5?

UK 5 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 Mar 1980, 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 UK 5 re-enter the atmosphere?

UK 5 re-entered on 14 Mar 1980, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built UK 5?

UK 5 was operated by SRC and built by BAC (UK).

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