Zenit-6 No. 1L

Re-entered 6 Dec 1976

Zenit-6 No. 1L (NORAD 9552, COSPAR 1976-111A) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 1976, launched on 23 Nov 1976 on the Zenit-6 mission. It was operated by GUKOSR as part of the Zenit-6 programme. The spacecraft was built by TSSKB on the Zenit-6 bus, with a mass of 2,655 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

years on orbit

2,655

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched23 Nov 1976 · on the Zenit-6 mission

Operational6 Dec 1976 · entered service

Retired6 Dec 1976 · end of operational service

Re-entered6 Dec 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID9552

COSPAR1976-111A

TypeSatellite

OperatorGUKOSR

Country / StateSU

ManufacturerTSSKB

BusZenit-6

Mass2,655 kg

ProgrammeZenit-6

CategoryIMG

OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)

Altitude249 × 398 km

Inclination62.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Zenit-6 No. 1L?

Zenit-6 No. 1L re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 6 Dec 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 Zenit-6 No. 1L re-enter the atmosphere?

Zenit-6 No. 1L re-entered on 6 Dec 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Zenit-6 No. 1L?

Zenit-6 No. 1L was operated by GUKOSR and built by TSSKB (SU).

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

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