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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Almaz OPS-3

Re-entered 8 Aug 1977

Almaz OPS-3 (NORAD 8911, COSPAR 1976-057A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Aug 1977, launched on 22 Jun 1976 on the Almaz OPS 3 mission. It was operated by TSKBM as part of the Almaz programme. The spacecraft was built by ZIKH on the Almaz bus, with a mass of 18,900 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
1977
re-entered
1
year on orbit
18,900
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched22 Jun 1976 · on the Almaz OPS 3 mission
Operational8 Aug 1977 · entered service
Retired8 Aug 1977 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Aug 1977 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID8911
COSPAR1976-057A
TypeSatellite
OperatorTSKBM
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerZIKH
BusAlmaz
Mass18,900 kg (16,000 kg dry)
ProgrammeAlmaz
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude262 × 272 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Almaz OPS-3?

Almaz OPS-3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Aug 1977, 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 Almaz OPS-3 re-enter the atmosphere?

Almaz OPS-3 re-entered on 8 Aug 1977, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Almaz OPS-3?

Almaz OPS-3 was operated by TSKBM and built by ZIKH (SU).

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