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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Helios 2

Re-entered 15 Jan 1976

Helios 2 (NORAD 8582, COSPAR 1976-003A) was a D satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jan 1976, launched on 15 Jan 1976 on the Helios 2 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.

1976
launched
1976
re-entered
0
years on orbit
370
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Jan 1976 · on the Helios 2 mission
Operational15 May 1980 · entered service
Retired15 May 1980 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Jan 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8582
COSPAR1976-003A
TypeSatellite
OperatorDFVLR
Country / StateD
ManufacturerMBB
BusHelios
Mass370 kg
ProgrammeDLR Helios
CategoryPLAN
OrbitHEO (EEO)
Altitude284 × -21,032 km
Inclination30.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Helios 2?

Helios 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Jan 1976, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1976. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Helios 2 re-enter the atmosphere?

Helios 2 re-entered on 15 Jan 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Helios 2?

Helios 2 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.