HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesIkar No. 2L
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Ikar No. 2L

Re-entered 12 Oct 1991

Ikar No. 2L (NORAD 7968, COSPAR 1975-056A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Oct 1991, launched on 20 Jun 1975 on the Tselina-D mission. It was operated by TSN108 as part of the Tselina-D programme. The spacecraft was built by YUZH on the Tselina-D bus, with a mass of 1,750 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.

1975
launched
1991
re-entered
16
years on orbit
1,750
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched20 Jun 1975 · on the Tselina-D mission
Operational1 Jan 1976 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1976 · end of operational service
Re-entered12 Oct 1991 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID7968
COSPAR1975-056A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSN108
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerYUZH
BusTselina-D
Mass1,750 kg
ProgrammeTselina-D
CategorySIG
OrbitLEO (LEO/I)
Altitude598 × 636 km
Inclination81.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Ikar No. 2L?

Ikar No. 2L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Oct 1991, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1975. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Ikar No. 2L re-enter the atmosphere?

Ikar No. 2L re-entered on 12 Oct 1991, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Ikar No. 2L?

Ikar No. 2L was operated by TSN108 and built by YUZH (SU).

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