SCORE

Re-entered 21 Jan 1959

SCORE (NORAD 10, COSPAR 1958 ZET) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Jan 1959, launched on 18 Dec 1958. It was operated by ARPA / SCEL as part of the SCORE programme. The spacecraft was built by SCEL on the SCORE bus, with a mass of 68 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.

1958

launched

1959

re-entered

year on orbit

kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched18 Dec 1958

Operational31 Dec 1958 · entered service

Retired31 Dec 1958 · end of operational service

Re-entered21 Jan 1959 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10

COSPAR1958 ZET

TypeSatellite

OperatorARPA / SCEL

Country / StateUS

ManufacturerSCEL

BusSCORE

Mass68 kg

ProgrammeSCORE

CategoryCOM

OrbitLEO (LEO/I)

Altitude159 × 1,187 km

Inclination32.3°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to SCORE?

SCORE re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 21 Jan 1959, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1958. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did SCORE re-enter the atmosphere?

SCORE re-entered on 21 Jan 1959, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built SCORE?

SCORE was operated by ARPA / SCEL and built by SCEL (US).

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

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