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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Helios 1

Re-entered 10 Dec 1974

Helios 1 (NORAD 7567, COSPAR 1974-097A) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Dec 1974, launched on 10 Dec 1974 on the Helios 1 mission. It was operated by DFVLR as part of the DLR Helios programme. The spacecraft was built by MBB on the Helios bus, with a mass of 370 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
370
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched10 Dec 1974 · on the Helios 1 mission
Operational1 Jan 1981 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
Re-entered10 Dec 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7567
COSPAR1974-097A
TypeSatellite
OperatorDFVLR
Country / StateD
ManufacturerMBB
BusHelios
Mass370 kg
ProgrammeDLR Helios
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude289 × -21,954 km
Inclination29.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Helios 1?

Helios 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 Dec 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 Helios 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Helios 1 re-entered on 10 Dec 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

How long was Helios 1 operational?

Helios 1 was operational for roughly 4 years, from 1 Jan 1981 to 1 Jan 1985.

Who operated and built Helios 1?

Helios 1 was operated by DFVLR and built by MBB (D).

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