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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

TKS GVM

Re-entered 23 Dec 1976

TKS GVM (NORAD 9609, COSPAR 1976-121D) was a SU satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 Dec 1976, launched on 15 Dec 1976 on the TKS VA No. 009A/1 mission. It was operated by ZIKH as part of the TKS programme. The spacecraft was built by ZIKH on the TKS GVM bus, with a mass of 10,000 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
10,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched15 Dec 1976 · on the TKS VA No. 009A/1 mission
Operational15 Dec 1976 · entered service
Retired15 Dec 1976 · end of operational service
Re-entered23 Dec 1976 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID9609
COSPAR1976-121D
TypeSatellite
OperatorZIKH
Country / StateSU
ManufacturerZIKH
BusTKS GVM
Mass10,000 kg
ProgrammeTKS
CategorySS
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude188 × 212 km
Inclination51.6°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TKS GVM?

TKS GVM re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 23 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 TKS GVM re-enter the atmosphere?

TKS GVM re-entered on 23 Dec 1976, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built TKS GVM?

TKS GVM was operated by ZIKH and built by ZIKH (SU).

Launched together

TKS VA No. 009A/1Re-entered 1976TKS VA No. 009/1Re-entered 1976
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.