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🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

HEAO B

Re-entered 25 Mar 1982

HEAO B (NORAD 11101, COSPAR 1978-103A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Mar 1982, launched on 13 Nov 1978 on the HEAO B 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 3,130 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
1982
re-entered
4
years on orbit
3,130
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched13 Nov 1978 · on the HEAO B mission
Operational26 Apr 1981 · entered service
Retired26 Apr 1981 · end of operational service
Re-entered25 Mar 1982 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID11101
COSPAR1978-103A
TypeSatellite
OperatorMSFC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTRW
BusHEAO
Mass3,130 kg
ProgrammeHEAO
CategoryAST
OrbitLEO (LLEO/E)
Altitude520 × 541 km
Inclination23.5°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to HEAO B?

HEAO B re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 25 Mar 1982, 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 HEAO B re-enter the atmosphere?

HEAO B re-entered on 25 Mar 1982, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built HEAO B?

HEAO B 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.