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QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5)

Re-entered 8 Feb 2001

QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5) (NORAD 10993, COSPAR 1978-075A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Feb 2001, launched on 5 Aug 1978 on the SDS 3 mission. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SDS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the SDS bus, with a mass of 800 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.

1978
launched
2001
re-entered
23
years on orbit
800
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched5 Aug 1978 · on the SDS 3 mission
Operational1 Jan 1985 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1985 · end of operational service
Re-entered8 Feb 2001 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID10993
COSPAR1978-075A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusSDS
Mass800 kg (650 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude311 × 39,377 km
Inclination63.2°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5)?

QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5) re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 8 Feb 2001, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1978. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5) re-enter the atmosphere?

QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5) re-entered on 8 Feb 2001, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5)?

QUASAR 3 (or JUMPSEAT 5) was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).

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