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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Able II

Re-entered 13 Oct 1958

Able II (NORAD 110, COSPAR 1958 ETA) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Oct 1958, launched on 11 Oct 1958. It was operated by NASA / TRW as part of the Able programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the Able I Pioneer bus, with a mass of 22 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
1958
re-entered
0
years on orbit
22
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched11 Oct 1958
Operational13 Oct 1958 · entered service
Retired13 Oct 1958 · end of operational service
Re-entered13 Oct 1958 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID110
COSPAR1958 ETA
TypeSatellite
OperatorNASA / TRW
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusAble I Pioneer
Mass22 kg
ProgrammeAble
CategoryPLAN
Orbit (SO)
Altitude-870 × 113,860 km
Inclination35.9°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Able II?

Able II re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 13 Oct 1958, 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 Able II re-enter the atmosphere?

Able II re-entered on 13 Oct 1958, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Able II?

Able II was operated by NASA / TRW and built by TRW (US).

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