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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

DOS-4

Re-entered 2 Feb 1977

DOS-4 (NORAD 7591, COSPAR 1974-104A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Feb 1977, launched on 26 Dec 1974 on the DOS 4 (17K No. 124) mission. It was operated by NPOE as part of the DOS programme. The spacecraft was built by ZIKH on the Almaz bus, with a mass of 18,500 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
1977
re-entered
3
years on orbit
18,500
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched26 Dec 1974 · on the DOS 4 (17K No. 124) mission
Operational2 Feb 1977 · entered service
Retired2 Feb 1977 · end of operational service
Re-entered2 Feb 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7591
COSPAR1974-104A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNPOE
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerZIKH
BusAlmaz
Mass18,500 kg
ProgrammeDOS
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude336 × 347 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to DOS-4?

DOS-4 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 2 Feb 1977, 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 DOS-4 re-enter the atmosphere?

DOS-4 re-entered on 2 Feb 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built DOS-4?

DOS-4 was operated by NPOE and built by ZIKH (SU).

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