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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Zond

Re-entered 4 Apr 1964

Zond (NORAD 785, COSPAR 1964-016D) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Apr 1964, launched on 2 Apr 1964 on the 3MV-1 No. 4 mission. It is catalogued as 3MV-1 No. 4. It was operated by OKB-52 as part of the 3MV programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the MV bus, with a mass of 490 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.

1964
launched
1964
re-entered
0
years on orbit
490
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched2 Apr 1964 · on the 3MV-1 No. 4 mission
Operational1 Apr 1964 · entered service
Retired1 Apr 1964 · end of operational service
Re-entered4 Apr 1964 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID785
COSPAR1964-016D
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB-52
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB1
BusMV
Mass490 kg (480 kg dry)
Programme3MV
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Inclination64.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zond?

Zond re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 4 Apr 1964, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1964. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Zond re-enter the atmosphere?

Zond re-entered on 4 Apr 1964, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zond?

Zond was operated by OKB-52 and built by OKB1 (SU).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-10-21.