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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

HEAO A

Re-entered 15 Mar 1979

HEAO A (NORAD 10217, COSPAR 1977-075A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Mar 1979, launched on 12 Aug 1977 on the HEAO A mission. It was operated by MSFC as part of the HEAO programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the HEAO bus, with a mass of 2,514 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.

1977
launched
1979
re-entered
2
years on orbit
2,514
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched12 Aug 1977 · on the HEAO A mission
Operational10 Jan 1979 · entered service
Retired10 Jan 1979 · end of operational service
Re-entered15 Mar 1979 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10217
COSPAR1977-075A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusHEAO
Mass2,514 kg (2,393 kg dry)
ProgrammeHEAO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)
Altitude428 × 449 km
Inclination22.8°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEAO A?

HEAO A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 15 Mar 1979, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1977. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did HEAO A re-enter the atmosphere?

HEAO A re-entered on 15 Mar 1979, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEAO A?

HEAO A was operated by MSFC and built by TRW (US).

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