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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Vostok-3 No. 1

Re-entered 9 Mar 1961

Vostok-3 No. 1 (NORAD 91, COSPAR 1961 THE 1) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 1961, launched on 9 Mar 1961. It was operated by OKB1 as part of the Vostok3A programme. The spacecraft was built by OKB1 on the Vostok bus, with a mass of 2,100 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.

1961
launched
1961
re-entered
0
years on orbit
2,100
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched9 Mar 1961
Operational9 Mar 1961 · entered service
Retired9 Mar 1961 · end of operational service
Re-entered9 Mar 1961 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID91
COSPAR1961 THE 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorOKB1
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerOKB1
BusVostok
Mass2,100 kg
ProgrammeVostok3A
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude173 × 239 km
Inclination64.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Vostok-3 No. 1?

Vostok-3 No. 1 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 9 Mar 1961, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1961. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Vostok-3 No. 1 re-enter the atmosphere?

Vostok-3 No. 1 re-entered on 9 Mar 1961, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Vostok-3 No. 1?

Vostok-3 No. 1 was operated by OKB1 and built by OKB1 (SU).

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